Samsung CEO Dead at 63: What Happened to Han Jong-Hee
Samsung electronics are known for their top-of-the-line tech devices from phones to tablets to washing machines. Chances are, you have a samsung device in your home. Maybe you're even holding one right now.
The tech giant has made a lot of incredible moves in the world, so news of their co-CEO dying can come as a shock.
Samsung's co-CEO, Han Jong-Hee died on Tuesday from a heart attack. He was 63 years old.
Who Was Han Jong-Hee?
According to Samsung, Han Jong-Hee worked with the company since 1988 after graduating from Inha University with a B.S. in electrical engineering. In 2011, he started moving up and became the Head of their Product R&D Team, Visual Display Business.
In 2013, he became Head of the R&D team, and in 2017, he became Head of the Visual Display Business.
From 2021 until he died, he held the position of Head of DX, Vice Chairman & CEO, and Head of Digital Appliances Business.
Elevated Samsung's TV Business
While Samsung might be best known today for its smartphones, their TV's have a huge place in the market. Samsung has credited much of their success in this space to Han. He spent most of his career in TV-related areas, and the company soon became the world's leading television manufacturer.
Since the company has its hand in some many tech spaces, it had two CEO's for each major business division. The other division is computer chips, which is run by chairman, Lee Jae-young.
Han was one of four executive directors on Samsung's board. Just one week ago, he had hosted Samsung's annual general shareholders meeting in Suwon, South Korea.
How Did Han Jong-Hee Die?
Han Jong-Hee was 63 years old. On Tuesday, he was being treated for a heart attack in the hospital and died of cardiac arrest, according to Samsung.
"Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," Samsung said.
Who Will Take Over?
In November last year, Jun Young-hyun was appointed co-CEO, and he will now take over as sole CEO for the company.