Dongwon founder steps down from helm
Seoul, SOUTH KOREA — Kim Jae-chul, one of the most well know entrepreneurs in the tuna sector, is stepping down from running South Korea's Dongwon Enterprise to give control to his son, reports Pulse News.
The 84-year-old Dongwon founder, known as "JC Kim" in the industry, is expected to play an advisory role to his 46-year-old son Kim Nam-jung, who will be promoted from his current post as vice president.
He started Dongwon Industries in 1969 with two employees and one fishing boat. In 1982, Dongwon introduced Korea’s first canned tuna brand and has since grown to become the country’s largest fishing company and one of the largest in the world.
Dongwon has also expanded globally, adding US tuna canner StarKist & Co. in 2008. The company is currently in legal hot water in the US, however, facing a fine of up to $100 million for price fixing.