South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday that co-CEO Han Jong-hee has died of a heart attack at the age of 63. This sudden departure leaves newly appointed boss Jun Young-hyun in charge, taking over as sole CEO.
Han was responsible for leading the company’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division before his death. He had been with Samsung nearly 40 years ago and played a crucial role in building its television business into a global influence.
Jun takes over at a critical time for the company, which is struggling to regain lost ground in advanced memory chips and contract chip manufacturing, two areas that have seen strong demand from AI projects. The company’s smartphone market crown was also taken by Apple last year.
Samsung has not yet decided on a successor to Han, who will be deeply missed due to his significant role in shaping the company’s business strategy. His absence may impact Samsung’s efforts to improve its home appliance division and respond to trade uncertainties.
The company’s shares fell 0.5% in line with the broader South Korean market after Han’s death was announced.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samsung-electronics-says-co-ceo-han-jong-hee-has-died-cardiac-arrest-2025-03-25