KOS International Holdings Limited (KOS) is comprised of the younger generation, which includes the founders, twin brothers Chan Ka On (Eddie) and Chan Ka Shing (Jackson). Through their vigour and enterprising spirit, the team has broadened their horizons in the local market and set a clear objective to expand operations into the vast market of mainland China. However, limited experience initially made it rather challenging to break from industry norms and achieve further success. To overcome this, Eddie and Jackson—with their strong determination to succeed—invited Louisa Yeung, a former senior executive of a multinational headhunting company, to serve as KOS’ CEO. Since joining in 2017 and with her extensive management experience and unique international vision, Louisa has already introduced sweeping reforms at KOS and made giant positive strides in the company’s preparation for development in the Greater Bay Area.
Creating a Spirit of Mutual Encouragement and Trust
KOS International Holdings Limited (KOS) is comprised of the younger generation, which includes the founders, twin brothers Chan Ka On (Eddie) and Chan Ka Shing (Jackson). Through their vigour and enterprising spirit, the team has broadened their horizons in the local market and set a clear objective to expand operations into the vast market of mainland China. However, limited experience initially made it rather challenging to break from industry norms and achieve further success. To overcome this, Eddie and Jackson—with their strong determination to succeed—invited Louisa Yeung, a former senior executive of a multinational headhunting company, to serve as KOS’ CEO. Since joining in 2017 and with her extensive management experience and unique international vision, Louisa has already introduced sweeping reforms at KOS and made giant positive strides in the company’s preparation for development in the Greater Bay Area.
A Well-defined Core Strategy for KOS
Initially, upon Louisa’s arrival, some at KOS were concerned about possible restructuring and layoffs. However, these fears proved to be unfounded. In fact, Louisa—who often jokes that she is like a mother-figure at KOS—has implemented not only a promotion and reward-based system to boost team morale, but also organises regular training courses for the team. Jason Li feels as though his horizons have already been greatly expanded by Louisa's decades of experience in the recruitment industry. Winnie Choi, a former recruitment consultant, is another great example of Louisa’s focus on meritocracy. Because of her accumulated experience and well-established professional interests, Louisa inspired Winnie to take the role of KOS’ marketing and communication manager.
Using their management experience, Louisa also works closely with managing director, Connie Au, to attract industry elites, introduce innovative ideas, and develop the five core values of KOS’ recruitment strategy. That is, having a proven track record, the courage to change, cherishing the family, flexibility and independence, and mutual encouragement and trust. Furthermore, while ‘patience’ and ‘diligence’ might sound old-fashioned, these are traits that Louisa values highly. After all, it is important that consultants listen closely to their clients’ needs before giving any career advice.
Active Implementation of Ambitious Plans
Louisa values team collaboration, and adopts a vigorous and resolute approach when making important decisions. For instance, regarding the positioning of KOS, she embarked on a corporate rebranding initiative shortly after joining the company, with an aim to highlight the company’s young, ambitious, and positive image. In order to address Hong Kong’s aging population issue, Louisa also actively explores the recruitment market of middle and old-aged workers. Louisa’s swift brand repositioning has received tremendous support from the in-house personnel of KOS. As pointed out by Karen Cheng, KOS is now in a more advantageous position as compared with other industry players.
In respect of the external business, a strong, three-pillar framework composed of clients, consultants, and candidates further enables Louisa to carry forward different services and ideas when contemplating business development. The future market coverage of KOS will be expanded to Shenzhen, Shanghai, and other second- and third-tier cities in the Mainland, which will lay a solid foundation in the Mainland market. Market expansion and extension also enables Louisa to create more more promotion opportunities for colleagues with different skills, providing them with capability-based training and leadership roles in various areas.
From Louisa’s perspective, it is inevitable for KOS to extend its coverage to the Mainland market. The company also focuses on serving each customer with a comprehensive and intensive service in a professional and pragmatic manner, with a view to achieving mutual growth of both customers and consultants.
Given the rapid development of the Greater Bay Area, as well as the gradual integration of the Mainland economy into the international community, it is clear that the recruitment market in China is expanding. It is KOS’ intention to break boundaries and seize new opportunities in both the local and Mainland markets. This is also why Louisa is actively providing training and internal promotion opportunities for talents and developing new brands such as KOS Staffing and KOS China with Jackson and Eddie.
If you would like to learn more about the development direction of KOS, please stay tuned to our KOS Sharing Series. Keep a look out for the next article, which will not only focuse on KOS Staffing but also our exciting expansion in China.