Remembering Han Jong-hee: A Leader in Mobile Electronics
Han Jong-hee, who died following a heart attack on 25 March, was a leading figure in the evolution of Samsung Electronics and the global consumer electronics industry as we understand it today.
Having first joined Samsung in 1988, he rose through the ranks of the company, before becoming co-CEO in 2022. With his career spanning more than four decades, he became instrumental in the advancement in mobile display technology and the implementation of AI and IoT technologies across Samsung’s global manufacturing network.
Colleagues at Samsung have described Han as a forward-thinking and meticulous strategist who balanced ambition and humility, playing a crucial role in maintaining Samsung’s competitive edge in the global electronics market.
Reshaping the mobile technology industry
Jong-hee’s early career was built on a foundation in electrical engineering from Inha University in Incheon, South Korea. This informed his technical approach to manufacturing challenges throughout his nearly forty-year career at the electronics company.
His strong understanding of engineering and technology saw him working in leadership roles to develop and commercialise ground-breaking display technologies. These include Samsung's QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) and MicroLED display technologies, which led to the company becoming a leader in television manufacturing.
Samsung has maintained this leadership since 2006, with Omdia reporting the company had a 30.1% share of the global TV market in 2023.
Likewise, at the helm of the company’s Device eXperience (DX) division, Jong-hee helped to implement manufacturing transformation strategies that incorporated AI into both production processes and the products themselves.
“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," he shared at CES 2025.
“This year at CES, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering personalised 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.”
Integrating these technologies now extends beyond Samsung’s consumer products and is now included within the company’s manufacturing facilities spanning South Korea, China and Vietnam.
Significantly, Samsung has implemented IoT sensors, automation systems and 5G connectivity.
Jong-hee’s vision was to create a connected ecosystem of device communication that would provide users with a cohesive and intuitive experience. Not only did this enhance convenience, but also positioned Samsung as a smart home leader.
This focus propelled the company to launch its Smart Factory Support Initiative in collaboration with the Korean Government to support Korean SME's in implementing advanced manufacturing techniques.
The programme gained momentum under Han's leadership, with Samsung recently partnering with Hyundai to implement private 5G solutions across automotive production lines.
This collaboration aimed to enhance factory automation systems, optimise production scheduling and improve communication between industrial equipment such as Automated Guided Vehicles.
Putting sustainability at the forefront of innovation
Jong-hee’s approach to manufacturing also included championing environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes within Samsung.
Under his guidance, Samsung introduced innovations such as solar-powered remote controls and eco-conscious packaging, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
He had also pledged that Samsung was committing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing electronic waste. This has not only led to a sharp increase in energy-efficient products, according to its 2024 Sustainability Report, but also the company setting a more ambitious sustainability target of 2030 specifically for its Device eXperience division.
The programme crucially achieved 93.4% renewable energy conversion by the end of 2023, using 100% renewable energy to power its global manufacturing facilities across the US, Europe, Korea, China, Brazil, India and Vietnam.
Ultimately, Jong-hee’s commitment to a sustainable future for the electronics sector has positioned the company as one of the most high-profile manufacturers in the world.
He will be remembered for his role in shaping the legacy of the company, in addition to his pursuit of digital innovation.
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