Han Jong-Hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, died on Tuesday of heart arrest at the age of 63, a company official announced.
Han, born in 1962, has led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile device businesses since 2022, according to the company.
In 2022, he was appointed as Samsung Electronics’ vice chairman and co-CEO. Jun Young-Hyun, Han’s co-CEO, oversees the semiconductor industry.
In an internal note obtained by CNN, Samsung paid tribute to Han, saying he had committed more than 37 years of his life to transforming Samsung’s TV division into a global powerhouse. As the CEO of its electronics and appliances operations, he also helped the company thrive in a “challenging business environment”.
“Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the message said.
During an annual meeting with investors last week, which he chaired, Han apologised for Samsung’s stock performance and warned of a difficult 2025 due to uncertainties around major economies’ economic policies, according to Reuters. He also stated that Samsung would seek “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions deals this year to support the company’s 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 was quoted as saying.
He joined the firm in 1988 after getting a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University.
Before leading Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operations.
