Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-Hee Dies

Samsung Electronics said that Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-Hee had died of a heart attack. Han was 63.

According to The Associated Press, Han began his journey with Samsung in 1988, dedicating the majority of his career to the company’s television divisions — helping to establish Samsung as the global leader in TV manufacturing. In 2022, he was promoted to co-vice chairman and CEO. According to a regulatory filing, Jun Young-Hyun, who was appointed as co-CEO last November, will assume Han’s responsibilities as the company’s sole CEO.

Han joined Samsung in 1988 and moved up the ranks over time. On the company’s website, it reveals some of Han’s more recent past roles within the organization:

• Vice Chairman & CEO
• Head, Digital Appliances Business
• Head of DX
• Head, Visual Display Business
• Head, R&D Team, Visual Display Business
• Head, Product R&D Team, Visual Display Business

The retailer said of Han’s death to CNBC, “Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Han Jong-Hee’s vision for AI integration was pivotal to Samsung’s strategy for maintaining its competitive edge in an ever-evolving technological landscape. His legacy of innovation laid the foundation for AI advancements that continue to enhance the lives of Samsung’s customers.

Han Jong-Hee Was Integral in Realizing AI’s Profitability to Samsung

Han Jong-Hee emphasized the incorporation of AI into Samsung’s consumer electronics, particularly televisions and home appliances. At CES 2025, he introduced the “AI for All” vision, aiming to make AI an integral part of daily life by offering personalized experiences across connected devices. This initiative sought to redefine home environments through intelligent and adaptive technologies, as revealed in a Samsung press release.

“I’m proud of how we have introduced new technologies and intelligence to the home, connected key devices and set the standard for the home of the future,” Han said. “This year at CES, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering personalized experiences through our widespread implementation of AI and we will continue this journey of AI leadership in the home and beyond, not just for the next decade, but for the next century.” 

Jun Young-Hyun is currently solely in charge of the tech giant.