SEOUL, KOREA - On 7th, Samsung Group ruffled their upper management by appointing Mr. Choi, Gee-sung, Vice Chairman of the most lucrative affiliate, Samsung Electronics, as the chief of the Group’s new corporate strategy office, which is the number two position on the corporate ladder.
Mr. Lee In-Yong, Samsung’s Communication Team Manager, said “Last month, following his trip to Europe, Chairman Lee Kun-Hee placed tremendous emphasis on a dramatic change equaling to ‘the 2nd New Management’ in order to keep the group competitive regardless of external circumstances.” He continued, “Mr. Choi is, as the most ideal selection, someone who can carry out tasks.”
Communication Team Manager Mr. Lee regarded the appointment as meaningful and praised former Vice Chairman Mr. Choi, saying, “He is an individual who has a strong sense of global business and is capable of effective decision-making. Also, he can generate forward momentum and is excellent at controlling and running a group.” Mr. Choi, as CEO of Samsung Electronics on the frontline, with his aggressive management approach, led its TV and smartphone businesses to the world’s top selling brand, positioning Samsung in direct competition with other global conglomerates.
This move is especially crucial during this vital period when the group is desperately seeking a new growth engine following past knacks like semi-conductor, TV, and smartphone, hence Samsung selected Mr. Choi, who has a proven track record. The replacement reflects Samsung’s determination to break through new challenges and imminent risks.
One high-ranking official at Samsung said, “facing the current economic crisis from Europe as drastic as the Great Depression in today’s rapidly-changing global environment”. Samsung will keep and allow Mr. Choi, a proven CEO with a global business mindset, to lead the way into another revolutionary change.”
Following the appointment, Samsung Electronics plans to hold a board of directors meeting to endow Mr. Kwon Oh-Hyun, Vice-Chairman of Samsung DS with his new title.
Beginning in July of last year, Samsung Electronics has been running two departments separately: Mr. Kwon’s component business and Mr. Choi’s set business.
Communication Team Manager Mr. Lee explained, “For the moment, we are not going to find a replacement for the chief of the set business department after Mr. Choi’s departure.” He continued, “Since December of last year, President Mr. Yoon Boo-Keun of the CE (Customer Electronics) division has been overseeing TV and Home Appliances, and Mr. Shin Jong-kyun, as the head of mobile communication business, Mobile Phone and IT division, and this is likely to remain the case.”
The business community interprets this move as the head of Samsung Group initiating his own ‘risk management strategy,’ designed to purposely create tension throughout the organization by restructuring high-ranking positions.
