In a statement released overnight here in the U.S., Samsung Electronics said that Han Jong-hee, the company’s co-CEO who lead the consumer electronics and mobile business, died of a heart attack. He was 63 years old. The company said that Jun Young-hyun, who heads up the semiconductor side of the business and was just promoted to co-CEO last week, would serve as the tech giant’s lone CEO for the time being.
Han joined the Samsung team nearly four decades ago and built his career in the brand’s TV division, playing a key role in helping Samsung become one of the most recognizable and successful display brands in the world. In addition to his role as co-CEO, Han was one of four Samsung executive directors who served on the company’s board.
“Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Samsung said in a statement.
Just last week, Han hosted Samsung’s annual shareholders meeting in South Korea. There, he and the company’s other executives told investors that 2025 was shaping up to be a difficult year, in part, due to U.S. tariffs. They were also grilled by shareholders about the company’s inability to ride the wave of momentum around artificial intelligence.
“[We] anticipate that 2025 will be another challenging year, driven by macroeconomic uncertainties surrounding the economic policies of major countries. Thus, it is vital for us to return to and focus on our core business philosophy: to devote our talent and technology to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society,” the company told shareholders. “We ask for and look forward to the continued support of our shareholders in our continued pursuit of sustained growth and success.”
According to Reuters, Han was scheduled to attend Samsung’s launch event for new home appliances on Wednesday.
