Global indeed

Chief Executive, The, April, 2004 by Kyung H. Yoon

I read your recent cover story on the growing importance of international experience for chief executives of U.S. companies ("The Global CEO," January/February 2004) with great interest. I could not agree more. Many CEOs in the United States have remarkably little experience working and living abroad. If these companies are to compete effectively in the increasingly global economy, their leaders must have a firmer grasp on the challenges of managing across vastly different cultures and business customs.

The leadership development challenge for global competitiveness cannot be overstated. Corporate boards in the U.S. also cannot afford to underestimate the need to understand the dynamics of vitally important emerging economies such as China's.

Kyung H. Yoon

Vice Chairman Heidrick & Struggles Menlo Park, Calif.