Samsung lost one of its most important executives on Tuesday when Co-CEO Han Jong-hee passed away unexpectedly. For over 30 years, he played a major role in shaping Samsung’s TV business. He led the Visual Solutions division for seven years, overseeing the Pro Display segment and digital signage.
Samsung’s Co-CEO, Han Jong-hee, suddenly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. He had suffered a cardiac arrest over the weekend, from which he wasn’t able to recover, as was reported by South Korean newspaper Korea Herald, citing industry sources. He remained active in his role until shortly before his death and, just the week before, had chaired Samsung’s Annual General Meeting.
Han Jong-hee had worked at Samsung since 1988. In 2017, he became the head of the Visual Solutions division. In this role, he also oversaw the Pro Display business. Four years ago, Samsung merged its consumer electronics (including visual solutions) and mobile divisions, and Han was promoted to CEO of the entire Device Experience Division.
Throughout his career, he played a key role in developing TV technologies, including today’s LCD and QLED displays, according to the Korea Herald. He regularly acted as Samsung’s represantative at major events, like CES in Las Vegas where he held the big keynotes with which Samsung usually kicks off the fiscal year and introduces its new inventions. He also traveled to the ISE in Barcelona.
Samsung has already reacted by naming his successor, Young Hyun Jun, who previously led the semiconductor business.
