Samsung Electronics appointed mobile division head Roh Tae-moon as co-chief executive officer,reverting to a traditional leadership structure after a three-year experiment with a single CEO,the company announced Wednesday. Roh will share leadership responsibilities with Han Jong-hee, who oversees the display and device solutions divisions. The move signals a potential shift in strategy for the world’s largest smartphone maker as it navigates a challenging global economic climate and intensifying competition.
The appointment marks a return to Samsung’s previous co-CEO model, utilized before 2020, and comes as the tech giant faces slowing demand for smartphones and memory chips.This restructuring aims to streamline decision-making and bolster responsiveness in a rapidly evolving market, impacting investors, consumers, and the broader technology landscape.Analysts suggest the dual leadership will allow for focused management of Samsung’s key business areas, potentially accelerating innovation and market share gains.
Roh Tae-moon, 52, has led Samsung’s mobile experience (MX) business as 2020, overseeing the progress and launch of flagship Galaxy smartphones. Han Jong-hee, 55, has been instrumental in expanding Samsung’s presence in the display and component sectors. Both executives will report directly to Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong.The previous sole CEO, Kyung Kye-hyun, will now focus on the company’s component business, according to Samsung. The changes are effective promptly.
Samsung’s decision to reinstate the co-CEO structure reflects a broader trend among South Korean conglomerates to revert to more established leadership models amid economic uncertainty. The company is currently investing heavily in next-generation technologies, including 6G, artificial intelligence, and advanced chip manufacturing, and the new leadership structure is expected to facilitate these efforts.
The company did not provide specific financial details regarding the leadership changes.
