Samsung Electronics’ co-CEO, Han Jong-Hee, has passed away at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest, 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. He was appointed vice chairman and co-CEO the same year, alongside Jun Young-Hyun, who heads the company’s semiconductor division.
In an internal message seen by CNN, Samsung honored Han’s legacy, highlighting his 37 years of service in transforming Samsung’s TV business into a global leader. As the head of the electronics and appliances division, he played a key role in the company’s growth despite economic challenges.
“Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the company stated.
No decision has been announced regarding Han’s successor, a Samsung spokesperson told CNN.
Just last week, Han chaired Samsung’s annual investors’ meeting, where he apologized for the company’s stock performance and warned of economic uncertainties in 2025. He also emphasized Samsung’s commitment to pursuing “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions to drive 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,” Han said, as quoted by Reuters.
Han joined Samsung in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before leading the company’s electronics and devices division, he oversaw Samsung’s display operations.
