Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced on Tuesday that Han Jong-hee, 63, its co-CEO, had died of a heart attack.


He oversaw Samsung's device experience unit, which includes mobile phones and home appliances, as well as its digital appliances division.

Han began working for Samsung in 1988 and progressed through the ranks, eventually taking charge of the company's visual display division's product research and development team in 2011. The company website states that he was named CEO in 2022.

The company in a statement credited Han with helping Samsung become a global leader in TV business and for contributing to the company’s growth as an executive during a challenging business environment.

“Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Samsung said.

Han, one of four executive directors on Samsung’s board, had hosted the company’s annual general shareholders meeting in Suwon, South Korea, just one week ago, fielding questions about the firm’s poor stock performance.

The company said Jun Young-hyun— who was appointed as co-CEO in November last year— will become the sole CEO.

Samsung last year announced changes in the leadership of its memory and foundry chip divisions amid intense competition in the semiconductor space, appointing Jun as co-CEO and head of the memory chip arm.