[CEONEWS = Reporter Ha Seong-tae] Yoon Hong-geun, Chairman of Genesis BBQ Group, often begins and ends his speeches with heartfelt gratitude. “First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank our customers for visiting BBQ and for consistently loving our chicken,” he said at a recent event. Known for his positive mindset and exceptional politeness, Yoon has earned a reputation as a respectful and gracious middle-aged CEO within the industry. He spares no effort in connecting with customers and continued at the event, saying, “I am truly delighted to meet you and share the history, vision, and management philosophy of Genesis BBQ Group.” He added, “I hope that Genesis BBQ and our valued customers can continue to engage in open and active communication.”

A Childhood Dream of Becoming a Business Leader

As Chairman and CEO of Genesis BBQ Group and President of the Korea Skating Union, Yoon dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur from a young age. To him, a true business leader improves lives by providing essential goods and services, staying close to customers, and understanding their needs. Yoon believes that prioritizing customer happiness is the essence of a genuine entrepreneur, and he has dedicated himself to this goal throughout his career.

“As the Chairman of Genesis BBQ Group, my greatest aspiration is to realize the value of 'a world where everyone can live happily together,'” Yoon shared. “Fueled by this vision, I was able to achieve the milestone of opening 1,000 franchise stores in record time and leading our expansion into 57 countries as a global enterprise.” He credits this success to his passionate drive, relentless innovation, and unwavering determination. Yoon’s vision extends to the future, with a clear picture of Genesis BBQ operating 50,000 global franchise stores by 2025.

A Collaborative Path to Global Success

Yoon attributes the confidence in his ambitious goals to teamwork. “If I had planned and acted alone, I would have been filled with anxiety,” he said. Preparing for the massive global expansion brought Genesis BBQ employees together, fostering a strong sense of unity and collaboration. “That’s when I realized what teamwork truly means,” he reflected. This collaborative spirit led to the creation of inspiring slogans such as “The World’s No. 1 Company” and “A Millennium Enterprise: Genesis BBQ.”

The company’s vision is underpinned by an unyielding commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation. Yoon emphasized, “Genesis BBQ is dedicated to creating new value through continuous change and innovation, aiming to become the largest and best franchise group globally by 2025.”

A Healthy Company Committed to Global Social Responsibility

Genesis BBQ Group is also a leader in global social contributions. It supports the International Vaccine Institute and operates “I Love Africa,” an initiative aligned with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. This program focuses on poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and environmental conservation in Africa, while promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening Korea’s global presence.

A Culinary Revolution: BBQ’s Signature Excellence

Genesis BBQ has transformed the chicken industry with its innovative offerings. The introduction of the “Golden Olive Chicken,” fried in 100% extra virgin olive oil, set a new standard for premium taste and quality. CEONEWS conducted a blind taste test comparing BBQ’s flagship product with other brands, and the “Golden Olive Chicken” stood out for its rich flavor and unparalleled crispiness.

From Entrepreneur to Sports Advocate

Yoon’s leadership extends beyond the business world. As the first franchise CEO to serve as a team leader for Korea’s national athletes, Yoon has actively supported sports development. His contributions to the Korea Skating Union and the Beijing Winter Olympics highlight his commitment to nurturing talent and promoting Korea’s presence on the global stage. “Supporting athletes and enhancing their training environment is part of our corporate mission to give back to society,” Yoon said.

Customer-Centric Leadership

Yoon’s management philosophy is deeply rooted in customer care. “Genesis BBQ values every customer as a partner. Please feel free to share your thoughts, whether good or bad,” he urged. Yoon’s approach to customer interaction is refreshingly personal, as he takes steps to ensure every voice is heard.

Under Yoon’s leadership, Genesis BBQ has not only solidified its position as Korea’s leading franchise but is also poised to become a global icon of excellence. As Yoon continues to drive innovation and foster meaningful connections with customers, the future of Genesis BBQ looks brighter than ever.