Insights on Inclusion for Growth: Women in Leadership at Samsung Biologics

Innovation thrives where people feel empowered to grow. At Samsung Biologics, that growth story is being shaped by talented professionals across various functions – from manufacturing floors to quality compliance and beyond. Today, women represent 43.9% of our workforce, with increasing representation in leadership roles. Behind these numbers are individual journeys defined by mentorship, adaptability, performance, and resilience.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we spoke with three leaders at Samsung Biologics — Soyeon Ahn (Vice President of Plant 4A), Yera Han (Director of DS Compliance), and Cholong Choi (Director of USP Tech Operations) – about the experiences that shaped their careers and how they interpret this year’s theme: “Give to Gain.” 

Growing with the Organization

Each leader’s path reflects both personal initiative and the opportunities created within a rapidly expanding company.

Q: What fueled your career growth?

“Having set up Plant 1 from the beginning while operating and overseeing cell culture processes, I am currently leading Plant 4, expanding my career alongside the company’s expansion. One of my managers once told me, ‘I value performance above all else — personal background does not factor into my performance assessment. I support your career growth because I see your potential.’ These words have been my driving force ever since.” 

—Soyeon Ahn

“I started my career in the Purification team at Plant 1, expanded into Tech Support, and now manage drug substance compliance tasks. Throughout my career, I kept up to date with new areas of study. In addition, mentoring junior colleagues and seeing them thrive is truly motivating. We have an enormous pool of passionate, smart, and skilled employees. I find that support and learning go both ways — I also learn and grow while mentoring.” —Yera Han

“The hands-on experience I had in the bioreactor halls for the first few years set the foundations for my current role of connecting operations to documentation, helping me fully understand the manufacturing journey. Over the course of my career, I have reported to five different women in leadership. Each had their own leadership style and influenced my career trajectory in unique ways. I have tried to integrate each of their key strengths — the ability to understand deeply, make rational decisions, and maintain perspective when facing difficulties — into my own leadership style.” —Cholong Choi

A recurring theme in their narratives is that growth is rarely a linear journey. It is shaped through exposure, continuous learning, and leaders who recognize potential.

Rethinking “Give to Gain”

This year’s International Women’s Day theme invites reflection on contribution and growth. For these leaders, the idea reflects growth through transformation rather than a simple exchange.

Q: Can you share an experience that illustrates this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “give to gain”?

“Early in my career, I was fortunate enough to be given many opportunities to learn and grow. Now, as a leader, I give back by supporting and mentoring junior colleagues. For me, this embodies the concept of ‘give in return’ rather than ‘give to gain.’ —Soyeon Ahn

“Our team has built a supportive culture for working mothers. We cover for each other when individual members need to take care of family matters. This culture reflects our commitment and respect for diversity where everyone lends a hand to create a more inclusive culture.” —Cholong Choi

“For me, the concept is ‘change and gain’ rather than ‘give to gain.’ I became a totally different person from the moment I became a mother — but I don’t feel that I had to give or sacrifice anything. It was simply a change in my life, and my lifestyle adapted in response.” —Yera Han

Instead of a mere exchange, their reflections suggest that growth often comes from shared support, perspective shifts, and collective resilience.

Navigating Challenges and Redefining Possibility

No leadership journey is free from challenges. For leaders balancing professional ambition and personal responsibilities, adaptability often becomes a defining strength.

Q: How have you overcome any challenges as a woman in the workplace, if there were any?

“The challenge we face as working mothers is the fact that we all share the same 24 hours in a day to pursue our careers while making time for our families. Leveraging a shift-work schedule, I could devote half of each week to caring for my child and the other to focusing on my work. Then, when I switched to a flexible-working-hours system, it proved equally helpful when my child needed me. In short, being a working mother with a child was never a barrier on my path to leadership.”

—Cholong Choi

“Samsung Biologics has many women in leadership. I believe that the organization fully supports gender equality, where leadership decisions are based solely on ability and performance.” —Yera Han

“Samsung Biologics creates career growth opportunities for anyone with the necessary skills and competencies. We are all treated as valuable members of the community — colleagues, leaders, and team members.” —Soyeon Ahn

While experiences may vary, key factors such as flexibility, performance-based recognition, and female representation in leadership inspire many colleagues to envision their long-term growth at the company.

Building the Future Together

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are reminded that inclusion is a continuous practice. By investing in flexible work policies, mentorship, and leadership development, Samsung Biologics aims to create an environment where every employee can bring their whole selves to work and grow alongside the organization. 

Growth transcends any single characteristic, and possibilities expand when opportunities, support, and performance align.