Philip Morris names Kang TaeKoo as MD for Malaysia and Singapore ops

Philip Morris International has appointed Kang TaeKoo as the new managing director for Philip Morris Malaysia (PMM) and Singapore.Kang brings with him extensive experience in the global tobacco industry having started his career with Philip Morris Korea in 1998. After progressing rapidly across several local and regional positions of increased responsibility, he was appointed general manager Indochina in 2007 and thereafter, director of sales and distribution Korea in 2011.Before coming to Malaysia, Kang (picture) held the position of area vice president Eastern Russia, where he was responsible for driving the business growth in this important market and achieved outstanding results for the company.Kang is an experienced business leader with expertise in sales and marketing and an ability to manage organisations across diverse cultures. He will be responsible for the strategic growth of PMM’s business in an increasingly challenging regulatory and business environment for the tobacco industry.“I am excited to be back in Asia and more so, to have this opportunity to live and work in Malaysia,” said Kang.“While I recognise the increasingly challenging industry landscape, I also see many opportunities. Together with my team, I am looking forward to further growing our business here in Malaysia and to continue delivering quality, value and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our consumers. In view of some of the challenges, I also hope to continue working closely with the government of Malaysia to address pertinent industry issues such as the significant illicit trade in cigarettes,” he added.