Samsung Announces Leadership Changes

Samsung co-CEO Han Jong-Hee recently passed away after playing an instrumental role in making the company a leader in mobile. So this week, the firm announced some leadership changes aimed at better addressing the challenges Samsung faces in this new AI era.

“Samsung Electronics today announced the appointment of Mauro Porcini as its President and Chief Design Officer (CDO),” one announcement explains. “Mr. Porcini brings his extensive expertise to Samsung Electronics further enhancing its user-centered approach to design innovation.”

“Samsung Electronics today announced that TM Roh, Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, will serve as the Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division,” a separate announcement notes. “The company also named Won-joon Choi as the newly created Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the MX Business.”

In addition to being co-CEO, Han was responsible for Samsung’s AI push across its mobile and consumer electronics products. His unexpected death last week was tough timing for the company, which faces a new wave of low-cost competition from China.

The appointment of Mr. Porcini will help Samsung’s other co-CEO, Jun Young-hyun, who oversees the company’s semiconductor business. And Roh’s temporary move into the top role in the Device eXperience group–which includes both its mobile and consumer electronics businesses–will last until the Samsung board can find a permanent successor. Roh will continue to lead Samsung’s mobile business, now and after the transition.