0
Samsung Electronics headquarters in Seoul is pictured on November 25. / Source: Yonhap News

Samsung Electronics announced its 2026 executive promotions on November 25, elevating 161 executives—including 51 executive vice presidents, 93 vice presidents, one Fellow and 16 Masters—marking an expansion from last year’s total of 137. The company notably advanced a number of younger leaders, including vice presidents in their 40s and vice presidents in their 30s, while prioritizing talent in AI, robotics and semiconductors.

Samsung said the promotions reflect its strategy to “proactively respond to rapid industrial paradigm shifts and secure leadership in AI, robotics and semiconductors,” adding that it upheld merit-based principles by promoting individuals who delivered significant results amid an uncertain business environment. The company also emphasized accelerating a “generational transition” by identifying standout young talent and strengthening its pipeline of next-generation executives.

DX Division: AI-centric leadership rises

In the Device eXperience (DX) Division, Lee Yoon-su—head of Samsung Research’s Data Intelligence Team—and Lee Sung-jin—head of the MX Division’s Language AI Core Technology Group—were promoted to executive vice president.

Lee Yoon-su, a data intelligence expert, led the development of data-driven technologies and business models, including Galaxy’s personalized data platform and GPU optimization for AI services.

Lee Sung-jin has long spearheaded the development of LLM-based generative AI technologies, driving the creation of Samsung’s conversational LLM platform.

DS Division: Semiconductor strategists elevated

In the Device Solutions (DS) Division, Jang Sil-wan, head of the Memory Business’s Solution Platform Development Team, and Park Bong-il, head of the System LSI Division’s SoC Advanced Development Team, were promoted to executive vice president.

Jang, a software development specialist, played a key role in next-generation solution platform development by leveraging his experience in server-grade SSD firmware and architecture.

Park has been instrumental in expanding Samsung’s future businesses by leading the design of custom SoC products based on his extensive experience in mobile SoC development.

Fellow and Master promotions highlight semiconductor R&D strength

Samsung also elevated top-tier R&D experts under its Fellow and Master system.

Lee Jae-deok, a Fellow at the DS Division’s Semiconductor Research Center Flash TD Team, was recognized for his contributions as a leading flash memory device expert. He led the development of new device structures for high-performance V-NAND and helped secure product reliability, boosting the competitiveness of next-generation V-NAND.

Young leaders and global talent stand out

Samsung expanded its promotions of young executives, regardless of seniority or tenure.

Notable new vice presidents in their 30s include Kim Cheol-min, head of the MX Division’s System Performance Group, and Lee Kang-wook of Samsung Research’s AI Model Team.

The company also continued to promote individuals based on performance and potential, regardless of gender or nationality.

Jung In-hee, head of the DX Division’s ESG Strategy Group, became executive vice president for her expertise in ESG strategy and global institutional networks.

DS Division’s Jacob Zhu, an expert in China sales, was also promoted to executive vice president for leading market expansion and maximizing sales across memory and System LSI in the Chinese market.

Samsung is expected to finalize and announce its organizational restructuring and appointments in the coming days.