Seewoo Hann Changes Sports Product Development & Is Inspired By His Background

Seewoo Hann is a talented product developer with a unique background that spans the automotive and sports product industries. His decade-long career in the automotive industry, notably as a project manager for Sebang Global Battery, saw him lead high-profile projects for major brands like BMW and Volkswagen. His ability to drive cross-functional teams to success within a matrix organization laid the foundation for his transition to the sportswear industry.

“I gained insight into how to lead a global cross-functional team within a matrix organization,” he says. Hann found a way to bridge the gap between the two industries to pursue his passion: creating sportswear that’s accessible to all, including plus-size athletes. His automotive expertise, physical challenges, and heritage fuel his commitment to lowering barriers to physical activity through sports products.

During his tenure as project leader for the BMW initiative, he successfully secured international supply — a remarkable achievement that had not been accomplished by any Korean company, nor by any other international organization. In cases where procurement was intended for a U.S. factory, it was typically restricted to U.S. suppliers, and similarly, only German companies would be eligible for factories based in Germany. However, under his leadership, his team developed the most efficient logistics solution and product assortment, delivering a tailored and comprehensive package that met all customer specifications.

He also facilitated detailed cost breakdowns and spearheaded over twenty cost workshops for Requests for Quotation (RFQs) involving the supply of original equipment lead-acid batteries from Korea to Germany, the United States, India, and the United Kingdom. In addition, he played a pivotal role in the development of small-sized lead-acid batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, expanding the annual OEM supply from 100,000 units in 2014 to an impressive 600,000 units by 2020.

Hann’s transition to the sportswear industry wasn’t an easy one, but his innovative mindset and willingness to learn quickly made him stand out. After completing the Sports Product Management program at the University of Oregon, Hann joined Nike, where he leveraged his meticulous attention to quality and detail — honed in the high-stakes world of automotive manufacturing — to design apparel and footwear — with a special interest in creating products tailored to the needs of plus-size athletes.

One of Hann’s most significant contributions to Nike has been his empathetic approach to product development. Drawing from his personal experience with weight-related injuries, Hann ensures that every product he designs meets the physical and emotional needs of athletes. His unique insight into the challenges faced by plus-size athletes allows him to integrate their specific requirements into Nike’s product lineup, making physical activity more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

Additionally, there’s rapid growth in the Korean market. Hann’s Korean heritage plays a role in how he develops sports products for that market. “I possess a profound comprehension of Korean consumers, which enables me to establish a natural connection with them,” he explains.

What distinguishes Hann as a product developer is his creativity and empathetic, quality-driven approach. His past work in the auto industry influences his method. In the high-stakes car manufacturing industry, safety and quality are paramount. “The vehicle in which you are seated must be secure, and if it is not, your life is at risk,” Hann says. On the surface, vehicles and athletic clothes have little in common. However, Hann applies meticulous attention to detail and quality to the activewear and athletic footwear he creates, just as he did for a vehicle.

“Where there is a will, there is a way” is one of Han’s favorite quotes. After all, he had to find a way to transition from the automotive sector to developing sports footwear and apparel. His journey from managing automotive projects to revolutionizing sports apparel demonstrates his exceptional talent, adaptability, and dedication to delivering high-quality products that make a difference in people’s lives. He’s passionate about helping plus-size athletes feel more comfortable and confident during physical activity while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.