When AtkinsRéalis recruited Yoonie Kim to lead its foreign direct investment (FDI) initiative, the global engineering and professional services firm gained more than a seasoned economic developer. It gained a bridge to markets across Asia and beyond. As Director of Business Development and Strategy, Kim leverages her extensive network in South Korea, Japan and China along with her 18 years of experience at the Georgia Department of Economic Development to attract international capital for projects in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
At AtkinsRéalis, Kim and a global team of about 40,000 professionals are dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and people by advancing sustainable infrastructure, clean energy solutions and resilient systems. They support clients globally through end-to-end engineering, procurement and construction services, prioritizing environmental health alongside technological innovation and infrastructure modernization. “Right now, we have a lot of interest in electric vehicle (EV) projects,” says Kim. “EV manufacturers and suppliers need environmental analysis, special permitting and expertise in handling chemicals. Our company can support all of the environmental needs and the entire project.”
Kim’s Impact on Georgia
Before joining AtkinsRéalis, Kim’s successful tenure at the Georgia Department of Economic Development resulted in the recruitment of 130 FDI projects to Georgia with $11.7 billion of capital invested and more than 22,600 jobs created. Notably, she played a key role in attracting the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant, which is the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history and officially opened in March 2025. Her achievements earned recognition from Governor Brian Kemp, who publicly praised her impact during a State of the State address. Kim believes Georgia is an excellent location for business investment, saying, “We have well-developed infrastructure, good logistics, a great port for exports and direct flights from Atlanta to many markets.”
Forming Key Connections
Kim is a long-time member of the Gwinnett Chamber and knows the value that membership can bring to business leaders. “Business investors always want to know about the state government and any incentives that are available, but I also encourage them to get involved on a local level,” she explains. “The local government is the one that communicates with companies on a frequent basis. In Gwinnett County, the Gwinnett Chamber knows the local government inside and out and can connect you with the right local resources.”
She wants Gwinnett Chamber members to think of her as a resource when they see a company looking to relocate to the United States. Kim says, “Our company can support the whole process of the location side, streamlining global expansion for companies.”
Originally from South Korea, Kim enjoys life in Gwinnett County. She points to the area’s uniquely global character — home to about 600 internationally based companies and the state’s largest Korean-American population. “Gwinnett moves at an international pace,” Kim notes. “I’m passionate about making life better for everyone, including minority communities in Gwinnett.”