Samsung Shuffles Top Executive Posts

The Samsung Group has promoted Telecommunications Business President Lee Ki-tae, making him the vice chairman and chief technology officer of Samsung Electronics, and shuffled other executive positions.

The changes were much bigger than anticipated. Along with Lee Ki-tae, three executives were promoted to president and eight were transferred to other posts. Many of the top posts within the divisions at Samsung Electronics were reshuffled.

Lee Ki-tae, who served as the president of the Telecommunications Business from March 2001, has become the CTO of Samsung Electronics.

Shilla Hotel Vice President Seong Young-mok and Cheil Communications Vice President Kim Nak-hoi have both promoted to president. Vice President Lee Sun-dong of the Strategic Planning Office, who was in charge of public relations, has promoted to president and advises Lee Hak-soo, vice chairman and Strategic Planning Office head of Samsung Group.

Choi Gee-sung, the chief of the Digital Media Business, filled Lee Ki-tae’s old position. President Park Jong-woo of the DM-affiliated Digital Printing Division filled Choi`s vacancy and is now the president of Samsung`s Digital Media Business.

President Lee Hyun-bong of the Digital Appliance Business was promoted to president of the Southwest Asia Headquarters and President Kim Jae-uk of the Memory FAB Operation, which is under the Semiconductor Business, was promoted to the president of the Manufacture Technology Operation.

Cheil Communications President Bae Dong-man was made the Samsung Charity Committee president, President Han Yong-oi of Samsung Foundation of Culture was named the president of Samsung Volunteer Team, President Lee Hae-jin of Samsung Volunteer Team was named president of Samsung BP-Chemicals. Samsung Corning Precision Glass President Lee Seok-jai now oversees Samsung Corning.

Samsung Group will announce further personnel decisions for lower positions. Samsung Electronics managing director Lee Jae-yong, the son of Chairman Lee Kun-hee, is sure to be promoted.

higgledy@donga.com