Han Jong-hee (63), the Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, unexpectedly passed away on the 25th, prompting an emergency response for measures within Samsung Electronics. Han had led the device experience (DX) institutional sector for the past three years, overseeing the television, home appliances, and smartphone businesses. Due to the sudden absence of a business leader, Samsung Electronics has initiated procedures to seek a successor to Han; however, it seems likely that they will face difficulties in immediately finding a suitable candidate.
The problem is that Han's role had been continuously expanding since last year. In December of last year, Samsung Electronics had increased Han Jong-hee's responsibilities during its regular personnel appointments, assigning him significant duties. In addition to being the head of the DX institutional sector overseeing all of Samsung's electronic products, Han also concurrently managed the home appliances (DA) division and chaired the quality innovation committee.
◇37 years with Samsung, overseeing everything from home appliances to smartphones
According to reports from the industry, Han was transported to Samsung Seoul Hospital on the evening of the 22nd due to a heart attack. Samsung Electronics informed employees of Han's passing through an internal notice, stating, "We mourn the late individual who dedicated 37 years to the company." It added, "He led the global number one television business and strived to the best of his ability as the head of the set division and DA division, even amid challenging internal and external conditions."
Born in 1962, Han is regarded as a key figure who enabled Samsung Electronics to maintain its position as the world's number one in the television sector for 19 consecutive years. After graduating from Cheonan High School and the Inha University School of Electronic Engineering, he joined Samsung Electronics' video business division development team in 1988, holding various positions including head of the LCD TV lab, head of the development group, and head of product development, and he became head of the video display division in 2017. After being promoted to vice chairman at the end of 2021, he had served as the head of the DX institutional sector.
◇Panic among Samsung executives over the sudden management vacuum
The sudden news of Han's passing has reportedly plunged both internal and external stakeholders into shock, as he held a crucial position within the control tower of Samsung Electronics led by Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Han is classified as one of the figures leading Samsung's 'three-headed system' alongside Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun of the semiconductor (DS) institutional sector and Vice Chairman Jung Hyun-ho, head of business support TF.
In particular, Han has been personally overseeing one of Samsung Electronics' major challenges, mergers and acquisitions (M&A). During the shareholders' meeting on the 19th, he noted, "While we’ve pushed for M&A in various areas for future growth, it is true that we haven't achieved results in large transactions," adding, "This year, we will certainly show visible results through more meaningful M&A."
A source familiar with Samsung Electronics stated, "Currently, there is almost no one who can immediately replace Han's expertise and management skills within Samsung Electronics," adding, "It is expected to take a considerable amount of time to find a suitable candidate, and for the time being, each division must respond under emergency conditions without a control tower, making solutions seem elusive."