Samsung Electronics announced Tuesday that Han Jong-hee, the company's co-chief executive officer and head of its Device eXperience (DX) division, died of a heart attack at the age of 63. Han, a veteran of the South Korean tech giant who joined the company in 1988, had been instrumental in shaping Samsung's global dominance in the television and consumer electronics markets.
The company said Jun Young-hyun, who was appointed co-CEO alongside Han in November 2024, will now assume the role of sole CEO. Jun currently oversees Samsung's semiconductor business, including its memory chip unit, a critical focus amid intensifying competition in the global chip industry.
"Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," Samsung said in a statement, praising Han for "contributing to the company's growth as an executive during a challenging business environment."
Han was one of four executive directors on Samsung's board and played a central role in its public engagement. Just one week ago, he hosted Samsung's annual general shareholders meeting in Suwon, South Korea, where he addressed concerns over the company's underperforming stock. During the meeting, Han told shareholders, Samsung "failed to adequately respond to the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor market." He acknowledged challenges in securing semiconductor-related mergers and acquisitions due to regulatory barriers but pledged, the company was "determined to produce some tangible results this year."
Han rose through the ranks at Samsung, becoming head of the product research and development team for its visual display division in 2011. He later led the company's TV business and, in 2021, was appointed head of the DX division, which combines mobile and consumer electronics operations. Despite his limited background in mobile technology, Han was credited with maintaining Samsung's top position in global TV sales for 15 consecutive years.
In 2022, Han was named Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, sharing leadership duties during a period marked by global supply chain disruptions and fierce competition in smartphones, appliances, and semiconductors.
