From chaebol roots to dual CEOs, Samsung’s top leadership isn’t as straightforward as it seems
Not One CEO—But Several Layers of Leadership
Ask “Who is the CEO of Samsung?” and the answer isn’t simple.
That’s because Samsung is a chaebol—a family-owned conglomerate where multiple entities operate under one umbrella, each with its own leadership.
- Key point: No single CEO runs the entire Samsung Group
- Reality: Leadership is split across group and subsidiary levels
At the Top: The Lee Family
At the highest level sits the founding family.
- Current leader: Lee Jae-yong
- Role: Executive Chairman of Samsung Electronics (appointed in 2022)
He has effectively led the group since 2014, after his father Lee Kun-hee became incapacitated and later passed away in 2020.
In chaebol structures, this role carries more influence than a traditional CEO.
Samsung Electronics: The Real Power Center
When most people say “Samsung,” they mean Samsung Electronics—the division behind smartphones, TVs, and semiconductors.
And here’s where it gets interesting.
- Structure: Dual-CEO model (since 2018)
- Current co-CEOs:
- TM Roh
- Young Hyun-Jun
- Responsibility: Oversee global operations and strategic decisions
This shared leadership model is designed to balance Samsung’s vast and diverse business units.
A Company of Many CEOs
Beyond headquarters, Samsung operates globally with regional leadership teams.
- Example:
- Samsung Electronics North America CEO: Choi Kyung-sik
Each subsidiary functions semi-independently while aligning with HQ strategy.
Why This Structure Exists
Samsung’s setup reflects its scale and legacy.
- Chaebol model: Central family control + distributed corporate leadership
- Advantage: Flexibility across industries
- Trade-off: Less clarity compared to single-CEO companies
It’s less like a single ship—and more like a fleet led by a central command.
The Bottom Line
So, who is the CEO of Samsung?
- Group level: No single CEO; led by Chairman Lee Jae-yong
- Samsung Electronics: Led by co-CEOs TM Roh and Young Hyun-Jun
Understanding Samsung means understanding its layered leadership.
TL;DR
Samsung doesn’t have a single CEO. The group is led by Chairman Lee Jae-yong, while its main business, Samsung Electronics, is run by co-CEOs TM Roh and Young Hyun-Jun, alongside regional leaders across global subsidiaries.
AI Summary
- Samsung is a chaebol with multiple leadership layers
- Lee Jae-yong is the top figure as Chairman
- Samsung Electronics is run by co-CEOs TM Roh and Young Hyun-Jun
- Subsidiaries have their own CEOs globally
- Structure reflects scale and family-controlled governance
