Frank Ahrens Keynote Speaker

  • Principal, "BGR Group" (2014-present)
  • Vice President, Global Corporate Communications Hyundai (2010-2013)
  • Author, "Seoul Man: A Memoir of Cars, Culture, Crisis, and Unexpected Hilarity Inside a Korean Corporate Titan"

Frank Ahrens's Biography

Frank Ahrens is a leading expert on Korea and East Asia. He has a gift for storytelling, a heart for business and a combination of experience and insight few Westerners possess.
Mr. Ahrens was Vice President of Global Corporate Communications for Hyundai Motor in Seoul and was the only American at headquarters. After his three years at Hyundai Motor, he wrote “Seoul Man: A Memoir of Cars, Culture, Crisis, and Unexpected Hilarity Inside a Korean Corporate Titan” (Harper Business), which was selected as a New York Post 2016 Book of the Year.
As a Washington D.C. communications consultant with BGR Group, Mr. Ahrens has represented the government of the Republic of Korea through two presidential administrations. He has conducted Korean market-entry research for a Tier 1 U.S. auto supplier.
If you are a Western company entering Asia, or an Asian company trying to understand the American corporate culture, Frank Ahrens will use his experience to improve your performance. He can anchor your event with a lively, compelling presentation on a range of topics from U.S.-South Korean relations under the new Korean president to the future of the great Korean brands to living in the shadow of a nuclear North Korea. Mr. Ahrens has spoken to universities, think-tanks and a presidential library.
Mr. Ahrens’ writing has appeared in Foreign Policy, The Washington Post, Forbes and The Diplomat.
Read More

Frank Ahrens's Speaking Topics

  • • Western and Asian corporate culture

  • U.S.-South Korean relations under the new Korean president

  • • The future of the great Korean brands

  • • Living in the shadow of a nuclear North Korea

Read More

Videos of Frank Ahrens

Seoul Man: A Memoir of Cars, Culture, Crisis...Inside A Korean Corporate Titan
Frank Ahrens - WVU College of Business & Economics Speaker Series

Books by Frank Ahrens

Frank Ahrens book cover
Seoul Man: A Memoir of Cars, Culture, Crisis, and Unexpected Hilarity Inside a Korean Corporate Titan

Comments & Testimonials

"Frank Ahrens' talk on 'Corporate Confucianism' -- explaining and helping to solve the East-West corporate culture clash -- was eye-opening for our team. The reaction to Frank's engaging and entertaining presentation was overwhelmingly positive and left many team members eager to know more about Korean culture."

Check Frank Ahrens's speaking fees and availability

Discover other speakers

Sona Muzikarova Speaker
Exclusive
Sona Muzikarova
Macroeconomist and public policy advisor
Mariana Mazzucato Speaker
Exclusive
Mariana Mazzucato
Considered as one of the most influential economists in the world today, acclaimed author and thought leader on innovation and growth.
George Parker Speaker
Exclusive
George Parker
Political Editor at The Financial Times
Anthony Mazzarelli Speaker
Exclusive
Anthony Mazzarelli
Co-President/CEO of Cooper University Health Care
Geoffrey L. Cohen Speaker
Exclusive
Geoffrey L. Cohen
Professor of Psychology, Author of "Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides"
Matt Ridley Speaker
Exclusive
Matt Ridley
Best-selling Author, "The Rational Optimist"
Andrew Sheng
Andrew Sheng Speaker
Exclusive
Andrew Sheng
Expert on Banking & Finance in Asia
Sharon White Speaker
Exclusive
Sharon White
Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership (2020-24) Chair, Frontier Economics
David Wengrow headshot
David Wengrow Speaker
Exclusive
David Wengrow
British Archaeologist and Author of New York Times Bestseller, The Dawn of Everything
Jeffrey Hollender Speaker
Exclusive
Jeffrey Hollender
Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Expert