Samsung Electronics Co-CEO Han Jong-Hee has died at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest, a spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant confirmed on Tuesday.
Han, who was born in 1962, had been leading Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses since 2022 and was also the company’s vice chairman. His co-CEO, Jun Young-Hyun, remains in charge of Samsung’s semiconductor division.
In an internal message obtained by CNN, Samsung paid tribute to Han, acknowledging his 37 years of service and his pivotal role in making Samsung’s TV business a global leader. “Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” As of now, Samsung has not announced a successor for Han.
Just last week, Han chaired an annual investor meeting, where he apologized for Samsung’s stock performance and warned of a challenging 2025 due to global economic uncertainties. He also reaffirmed Samsung’s commitment to major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to drive future growth.
“There are some difficulties in doing semiconductor M&As due to regulatory issues and various national interests, but we’re determined to produce some tangible results this year,” he said, according to Reuters. Han joined Samsung in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before heading the electronics and mobile division, he was in charge of Samsung’s display business.
