Online Reporter
SAMSUNG Electronics co-chief executive officer Han Jong-Hee, who is credited with growing the Korean conglomerate into the world’s top electronics company, has died. He was 63.
The executive died yesterday after suffering a cardiac arrest episode earlier, a spokesperson for the company said. He is survived by his wife and three children. Samsung stock dipped initially before recouping losses in Seoul.
Han, a company veteran who began his career in the displays division more than three decades ago, was instrumental in displacing Japanese rivals such as Sony Group Corp.
“His contribution to the consumer electronics business cannot be overstated,” said Sanjeev Rana, an analyst at CLSA Securities Korea.
“Under his leadership, Samsung’s TV business especially has maintained a very strong market position over the last two decades.”
Han played an “overall supervisory role” on the company’s smartphone business, Rana said, with Samsung’s hands-on mobile division head, TM Roh, taking a leading role.
Han’s personal motto was: “eternal No. 1” and he was known for his strong work ethic and determination to overcome challenges, an embodiment of Samsung’s culture.
After being promoted to vice chairman in 2021, he led the so-called the Device Experience division, overseeing Samsung’s TV, home appliances and smartphone businesses.
Most recently, Han took charge of efforts to integrate AI into most of Samsung’s products in anticipation of a boom in artificial intelligence features for everyday use.
Under his leadership, the company has installed AI chips in its fridges, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. — Bloomberg.
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