Talent Management in a Global Framework

In partnership with BAT Japan, we brought the HR community in Tokyo together for a ChapmanCG Global HR Leaders Forum on Talent Management in a Global Framework. Hosted by BAT Japan at their Tokyo headquarters, the keynote speaker, YongShin Kim, HR & Inclusion Director – APMEA North Area (Japan, Korea, Greater China Cluster & Global Travel Retail), presented the Group’s comprehensive approach to Talent Management programs.  

BAT aims to create a legacy of leaders through their global learning and development portfolio, which includes providing the right job experiences and opportunities to learn from others. YongShin discussed how they are evolving their approach to foster the essential skills and drive the high performance required to transform into a multi-category business for their purpose of building ‘A Better Tomorrow™’.  

We discussed talent pools in an increasingly competitive market and how to balance hiring new graduates who can be developed internally while also hiring from different industries at the mid-career level to bring new capabilities & experience in particular disciplines. 

Building strong employer branding and employer value propositions are central to an organisation’s ability to attract the best talent. This is easier for organisations with a recognised consumer brand or product but more difficult for organisations that are not household names, such as B2B organisations. Companies can overcome the initial disadvantage of not being a household name by building a compelling narrative, showcasing their values, and aligning with employees’ values.  

The forum discussed the importance of developing talent and identifying top performers for succession planning fairly and transparently. BAT has introduced a comprehensive online assessment tool to make the talent development discussion more objective and less subjective. Continual learning is also essential, and BAT has rolled out an e-learning platform across the Group with designated learning hours built into the working week. 

YongShin explained that BAT believes early exposure is vital to developing local talent on a global stage. BAT’s Global Graduate Programme allows participants to work in another country early on. Also highlighted was the importance of providing exposure to senior management outside of the employee’s direct line manager. BAT has been active in mentoring, which includes not only skip-level meetings within your market but also opportunities to interact directly with global leadership.  

It is an honour to represent our robust suite of talent management programmes as BAT Japan’s first Management Trainee (now known as Global Graduate) to become part of the APMEA North Leadership Team. BAT has always supported my development through various opportunities including international assignments. Therefore, I am committed to providing the same opportunities and more for our future global leaders while also fostering a truly diverse and inclusive environment in our area to build A Better Tomorrow™.

YongShin Kim, HR & Inclusion Director – APMEA North Area (Japan, Korea, Greater China Cluster & Global Travel Retail)

Finally, the forum discussed common areas for developing Japanese talent identified by BAT Japan, such as developing storytelling capabilities, learning to live with uncertainty, and developing assertiveness.  

We would like to thank YongShin and everyone at BAT Japan for their hospitality and all the participants who attended and shared their insights.

We are excited to bring our network together again soon for further thought leadership opportunities in Japan and around the world. Keep an eye out here for details about upcoming global HR leader gatherings.