Frieda Koh

2026 JUDGE'S PROFILE

Regional Senior HR Director, People & Culture Head

Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania

Frieda Koh is a seasoned HR executive leading strategic people initiatives across Asia, with experience spanning multiple industries, including FMCG, high technology, pharmaceuticals, education, and retail. Today, she serves as regional people head for Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania, where she leads the regional people strategy across eight markets, partnering with business leaders to build organisational capability, develop talent, and foster high-performing, inclusive cultures.

Prior to joining Samsung, Frieda spent seven years with Kimberly-Clark, where she held multiple HR leadership roles, culminating as senior HR director – developing & emerging markets, leading HR for the ASEAN cluster. She drove workforce transformation, leadership development, and organisational effectiveness across the region. One of her most significant achievements was leading the HR workstream for Kimberly-Clark’s US$1.2 billion acquisition of Softex Indonesia amid the global pandemic.

She successfully led the HR integration, driving organisational transition, change management, and culture alignment to enable a seamless integration and accelerate business value realisation. Known for her pragmatic and purpose-driven leadership, Frieda creates meaningful impact for both people and organisations.