‘I’m Korean style’

As part of his efforts to fit in culturally, Al-Mahasher recently bought a “hanbok” and announced that he will attend all official events wearing the traditional Korean outfit until Lunar New Year’s Day that falls on Feb. 10 this year.

“He makes great efforts to deepen his knowledge and understanding of Korea,” an S-Oil official said. “Such an attitude has proven to be helpful in improving his communication with employees and local business partners.”

His love of Korean goods does not stop at fashion. Upon appointment as CEO in March last year, Al-Mahasher purchased a Hyundai Equus and replaced his iPhone with a Samsung Galaxy handset. “Al-Mahasher is a big fan of the Korean smartphone due to its good reception, big screen, and other functions,” the official said.

To make Koreans more comfortable with his name, Al-Mahasher uses “Na Se-il” on his business card, which sounds similar to Nasser. Officials said the CEO selected the name himself after discussions with Korean friends here.

Though he is the CEO of a major corporation, Al-Mahasher is genuinely empathetic to the people on the street.

As the mercury dropped in December, he installed a vending machine in front of the company’s headquarters in Gongduk-dong, Seoul, enabling people to have a free cup of hot tea. The machine can serve up to 500 cups per day.

Throughout 2012, he participated in charity campaigns for local communities, underprivileged people and senior citizens.

The company has conferred the title of “Best Hero Fighter” on several firefighters every year and offered handsome scholarships to hundreds of talented students in the categories of biology, mathematics and earth science.

In September, the firm launched the Encore Korea Project to help transfer veteran Korean scientists’ and technologists’ experience and knowledge overseas. The company has organized a variety of events to promote the importance of environmental protection among children.

Nasser Al-Mahasher is a veteran of the oil industry. He joined Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco in 1990. He subsequently studied in the United States and worked in Japan, before assuming S-Oil’s top seat. <The Korea Times/Park Si-soo>