Samsung Electronics is weighing its options for a new head of its Device eXperience (DX) division following the sudden death of co-CEO Han Jong-hee, leaving a leadership vacuum in its consumer electronics business. While an immediate successor is unlikely, industry insiders point to Roh Tae-moon, head of the company’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division, as a strong candidate.
The company has reportedly begun the process of selecting Han’s replacement after concluding funeral proceedings on March 27. Han had overseen not only the DX division, which covers Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile businesses, but also led the home appliances unit and chaired the quality innovation committee. His broad responsibilities make finding a successor a priority.
Roh, born in 1968, was recently reappointed as an inside director at Samsung’s annual general meeting. Since 2020, he has led the MX division and remains the only inside director within DX, positioning him as a viable candidate for the top job, pending board approval.
If Roh takes over as DX chief, he may temporarily retain his MX role. Alternatively, Choi Won-joon, recently promoted to president and head of MX’s development office, could succeed him.
“Roh has long been considered a natural successor to Han, but his expertise lies primarily in mobile,” said a source familiar with Samsung’s operations. “Managing the broader consumer electronics and appliances business will be a challenge.”
Another possibility is for Samsung to maintain a single CEO system under Jun Young-hyun, head of its semiconductor (DS) division, while delaying Han’s replacement. This scenario would open the door for an external appointment or a candidate outside the current board. Jun Kyung-hoon, chief technology officer (CTO) of DX, is also seen as a potential contender, along with other senior executives from affiliated companies or even a returning veteran.
Attention is also focused on who will take over the home appliances business, which Han had led since the resignation of former chief Lee Jae-seung in 2022. Internally, Moon Jong-seung, vice president in charge of product development, is seen as a leading candidate, while Lim Sung-taek, head of Samsung Korea, is also being considered following the success of the company’s subscription-based appliance services.
Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned from a business trip to China on March 28, and the company is expected to accelerate decision-making. Given Lee’s recent comments emphasizing frequent personnel changes and talent acquisition, the upcoming leadership reshuffle may also involve broader organizational restructuring to strengthen Samsung’s crisis management and strategic direction.
