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Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-Hee passed away on Tuesday from cardiac arrest, according to a spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant. He was 63.
Han, who was born in 1962, had been leading Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses since 2022. That same year, he was appointed vice chairman and CEO. His co-CEO, Jun Young-Hyun, who was recently promoted, will now serve as the company’s sole CEO.
Samsung honored Han in an internal message, recognizing his 37-year contribution to the company’s growth, particularly in making Samsung’s TV business a global leader. As head of its electronics and appliances division, he played a crucial role in steering the company through a challenging market environment.
His passing comes at a pivotal time for Samsung, which has faced growing competition in the semiconductor industry. The company has struggled to keep pace with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in contract chip production and has lost ground to SK Hynix in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market.
Reportedly last week, Han addressed investors at an annual meeting, apologizing for Samsung’s stock performance and warning of economic uncertainties in 2025. He emphasized the company’s commitment to mergers and acquisitions to drive future growth.
Han joined Samsung in 1988 after earning a degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before overseeing its electronics and devices division, he led the company’s display business, playing a key role in the success of Samsung’s LED TV technology.
Samsung extended its condolences to Han’s family and loved ones, acknowledging his lasting impact on the company’s technological advancements and market leadership.
