Jong-Hee Han is among the world's most influential leaders in the technology sector. As Co-Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, he spearheads the company's global operations, overseeing activities across multiple regions, including Europe, India, the Americas, and Asia, through a network of subsidiaries.
With a decade of experience at the helm, Han's visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving Samsung's growth, innovation, and global dominance in the electronics industry. His strategic guidance extends beyond Samsung, with key leadership positions on various organizational boards, steering the company toward pioneering technological advancements and business developments.
Born on March 15, 1962, in South Korea, Jong-Hee Han laid the foundation for his future in the technology industry by earning a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Inha University in 1988. This exceptional educational background paved the way for his remarkable journey at Samsung Electronics, where he has held numerous leadership roles.
Throughout his illustrious career, Han has leveraged his technical expertise and innovative spirit to drive advancements in Samsung's products, particularly in visual display technologies and digital transformation initiatives. His outstanding leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the company's success.
Jong-Hee Han's illustrious career at Samsung Electronics spans over three decades, beginning in 1988 as a member of the Development Team in the Video Division. His exceptional talent and dedication propelled him through the ranks.
Han's rapid ascent saw him become the Head of Development Group 2 in 2009. Two years later, he successfully managed teams for Product Development and Planning in the Visual Display Division. By 2017, he had risen to lead the Visual Display Business Department.
In 2022, Han took on a new challenge, overseeing DX and display technologies, ultimately assuming the role of Vice Chairman and CEO. Currently, he spearheads the DX Division, Home Appliance Business, and chairs the Quality Innovation Committee.
As the CEO of Samsung, Jong-Hee Han spearheads the company's AI initiatives by fostering global collaborations, particularly with Google. His leadership prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and ethical AI solutions, elevating user experiences across Samsung's product ecosystem.
Samsung's Global AI Ambitions: Samsung's AI strategy is driven by global collaborations, with a special focus on its partnership with Google. This collaboration enables Samsung to leverage cutting-edge technologies and craft tailored AI solutions for devices, enhancing user experiences and setting industry trends.
AI Strategy: The tech giant aims to have 200 million AI-enabled devices by the end of 2024. The company's strategy is to make AI pervasive across consumer technology, from smartphones to home appliances. By doing so, Samsung seeks to make life simpler, more productive, and sustainable, while educating users on the benefits of AI.
Sustainability Focus: Samsung promotes sustainability through energy-efficient features in its products. For instance, the AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy reduces energy consumption by up to 70% in washing machines. Additionally, Samsung's efforts include AI-driven solutions like SmartThings Away Mode, which optimizes energy usage in the home.
AI Education: Samsung Innovation Campus offers a comprehensive course, "Artificial Intelligence – Data as Motivation." The curriculum covers AI theory, data science tools, machine learning algorithms, and real-world problem-solving. Participants will gain practical skills, a Samsung AI certificate, and valuable insights from industry professionals.
AI Ethics: Samsung Electronics adheres to AI ethics principles, ensuring fairness, transparency, and responsibility in AI development. The company is committed to human rights, accessibility, and privacy, while promoting social responsibility, safety, and innovation through AI.
AI-Powered Products: At CES 2025, the company will unveil its "AI for All: Everyday, Everywhere" vision, led by CEO Jong-Hee Han, on January 6 in Las Vegas. This showcase will highlight Samsung's commitment to making AI accessible and beneficial to everyone.
Jong-Hee Han, the CEO of Samsung Electronics, boasts a net worth of approximately $971,291 as of November 30, 2024. His remarkable journey with Samsung began in 2017 when he took on the role of President and Head of the Visual Display Business. His exceptional leadership earned him a promotion to Chief Executive in January 2022.
Han's annual compensation package is substantial, totaling ₩6.90 billion (approximately $4.83 million). Under his guidance, Samsung Electronics has maintained its position as one of the world's leading technological companies, despite facing significant earnings challenges in the past year. Han's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in navigating these difficulties and ensuring the company's continued success.
Under Jong-Hee Han's exceptional leadership, Samsung Electronics has achieved unprecedented growth and innovation. As Vice Chairman and CEO, he spearheaded the Device eXperience (DX) Division, revolutionizing user experiences and device connectivity.
Han strengthened Samsung's dominance in the global TV market through targeted marketing strategies in the Visual Display Business. He also revitalized the Digital Appliances Business by enhancing product quality and aligning with growth strategies. As a result, Samsung has maintained its market leadership in multiple sectors, solidifying its position at the forefront of technological innovation in devices and digital appliances.
Han's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving Samsung's success, cementing his reputation as a pioneering figure in the tech industry.
Samsung, the global technology giant, has been marred by a string of controversies, exposing weaknesses in transparency, AI memory chip challenges, workplace culture, and customer trust. These incidents have had a profound impact on the company's reputation worldwide.
GOS Throttling Scandal: Samsung's Game Optimising Service (GOS) was found to throttle the performance of over 10,000 apps by up to 56%, including popular ones like Instagram and TikTok. The scandal prompted an official apology from CEO Jong-Hee Han, who pledged to improve customer communication.
Challenges in AI Memory Chip: Jun Young-hyun, leader of Samsung's chip division, warned of a "vicious cycle" unless the company's workplace culture undergoes significant changes. He highlighted communication barriers and missteps in the AI memory chip market, emphasizing the need for fierce debate to maintain competitiveness.
Apology to Shareholders: Han Jong-hee publicly apologized to shareholders at the annual general meeting for declining stocks, customer complaints, and manufacturing problems. He admitted failing to meet customer needs and stood before shareholders to apologize.
Labour Unrest: Over 1,000 Samsung employees in Sriperumbudur, India, demonstrated low wages and a lack of union recognition. The workers demanded a wage hike, better allowances, and equal pay, marking increasing labor unrest in India's high-tech manufacturing sector.
Fake Moon: Critics argue that Samsung's Moon photography feature uses AI to add details to blurred images, misleading users. According to critics, the feature blurs the line between real and artificially enhanced images.
Corruption Scandal: Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong apologized for the corruption scandal associated with the bribery case that led to the downfall of South Korea's former president. He vowed to prevent similar scandals in the future.