Han Jong Hee, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, who had been leading the company’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, passed away on March 25th at the age of 63.

According to industry sources, Han collapsed over the weekend while resting and was unable to recover after suffering cardiac arrest.

Born in 1962, Han was a renowned expert in TV development and a key figure behind Samsung’s 19-year reign as the global leader in the TV market.

After graduating from Cheonan High School and earning a degree in electronic engineering from Inha University, Han joined Samsung Electronics’ video business division in 1988. He went on to serve as the head of the LCD TV lab, development group leader, and product development team leader before being appointed head of the Visual Display Business in 2017.

In the year-end executive reshuffle of 2021, Han was promoted to Vice Chairman and became head of the DX Division, which oversees the company’s consumer electronics businesses. Alongside the head of the Device Solutions (DS) Division, he formed one of Samsung Electronics’ top leadership pairs, guiding the company through a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Han also served as head of the Digital Appliances (DA) Division and chairman of the Quality Innovation Committee, playing a key role in driving technological advancement across a range of products including TVs, home appliances, and smartphones.

He had been scheduled to deliver the keynote address at a Samsung Electronics event on March 26th, where the company was set to unveil its new Bespoke AI lineup under the theme “A Safer and Simpler AI Home.”

In an official statement, Samsung Electronics said: “He led the global success of our TV business and remained dedicated as head of the DX Division and DA Division despite internal and external challenges. We honor his 37 years of dedication to the company and express our deepest condolences.”

Han’s memorial is being held in Room 17 at the Samsung Medical Center Funeral Hall. The funeral will take place on March 27th, with burial at the Sian Family Memorial Park.

SEE ALSO: CReA Studio CEO Hwang In Young in tears, pleading for understanding over 'UNDER15' controversy