Samsung Electronics has announced the death of its co-CEO, Han Jong-Hee, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 63. Han was appointed co-CEO in 2022, where he oversaw critical sectors including consumer electronics and mobile devices. In light of his unexpected passing, Jun Young-Hyun, who was appointed co-CEO just last week, will now serve as the sole CEO.
Han joined Samsung in 1988 and quickly advanced within the company. By 2011, he was leading the product research and development team for the visual display division. His leadership established Samsung as a global leader in the television market, particularly with the successful introduction of LED TVs, which significantly improved the company’s reputation for technological innovation.
In recent years, Samsung has faced significant challenges, particularly in its semiconductor division, which has struggled to keep pace with competitors like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and SK Hynix. The company has reported declining earnings and a falling share price amid increased competition in advanced memory chips.
In addition to his role in consumer electronics, Han was also responsible for overseeing Samsung's digital appliance division. His efforts were key in integrating smart technology into home appliances, which helped the company capture a larger share of the global market.