Samsung Electronics is one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world, with its products shaping everything from smartphones to semiconductors and consumer electronics. Given the company’s global reach and impact, many wonder: Who is at the helm of Samsung today?
The Current Leadership Structure
As of 2025, Samsung is led by a team of executives rather than a single, centralized leader. The structure reflects the company’s vast size and complex business operations, with the Samsung Group — the overarching conglomerate — being led by the Lee family and various appointed corporate leaders.
At the heart of this leadership is Lee Jae-Yong, often known by his Western name, Jay Y. Lee. He is the vice chairman and de facto leader of Samsung Electronics, and has played a crucial role in driving the company forward, particularly in navigating through legal and financial challenges in recent years.
The Lee Family’s Influence
The Lee family has long been associated with the leadership of Samsung, with patriarch Lee Byung-chul founding the company in 1938. Following his death in 1987, his son Lee Kun-hee took over, and under his leadership, Samsung grew into the global giant we know today. Lee Kun-hee passed away in 2020, leaving his son, Jay Y. Lee, to steer the company forward. Despite facing legal troubles, Jay Y. Lee’s role remains pivotal to the company’s operations.
Jay Y. Lee has had a complicated journey in terms of leadership. He was convicted on charges of bribery and embezzlement in 2017, leading to a brief period of imprisonment, but was later granted a suspended sentence. His leadership was further tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, but he managed to keep Samsung on course.
While Lee holds the unofficial title of the company’s leader, he has not taken on the formal role of CEO. Instead, Han Jong-hee, as the current CEO of Samsung Electronics, and Koh Dong-jin, who heads the mobile division, hold prominent positions within the company, supporting Lee’s strategic vision. However, Lee’s influence is deeply embedded in the company’s corporate culture, and many see his direction as essential to Samsung’s success.
Key Leadership Figures
In addition to Jay Y. Lee, several other executives play critical roles in running Samsung:
- Kim Ki-nam, who heads Samsung’s semiconductor division, one of the company’s most profitable and strategically important arms, continues to oversee operations in one of the world’s largest and most advanced semiconductor manufacturing operations.
- Lee Jae-seung, CEO of Samsung SDS (Samsung’s IT solutions arm), and Choi Gee-sung, who manages the company’s strategic direction, also remain key figures in steering the company’s vision.
The Role of Samsung’s Leadership in Global Strategy
Samsung’s management approach is also deeply influenced by its philosophy of “One Samsung,” which is a commitment to unifying its global operations and creating a cohesive strategy. This philosophy is reflected in the company’s leadership structure, where key decisions are made collaboratively rather than by one single individual.
This collective leadership model has allowed Samsung to maintain its competitive edge in multiple sectors, including consumer electronics, displays, mobile devices, and semiconductors. The company has continuously invested in next-generation technologies, like AI and 5G, positioning itself to dominate emerging markets.
The Transition to a New Era
Samsung is currently going through a generational transition. The older leadership under Lee Kun-hee is passing the torch to the younger generation. While Jay Y. Lee’s future role in the company remains important, the fact that Samsung’s leadership is becoming increasingly decentralized is a reflection of both the company’s maturity and its focus on staying relevant in the global tech landscape.
While the Lee family’s legacy continues to loom large over the organization, it is clear that the company’s management is no longer a one-man show. With global executives leading the charge across various divisions, Samsung is positioning itself for long-term growth and innovation — and that’s something more than just one person can handle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Jay Y. Lee, the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, remains the most recognized leader within the company, the leadership is shared among a group of skilled executives. The direction of Samsung is thus a collective effort, with key leaders in different divisions supporting and driving forward the company’s ambitious plans for the future. As the company continues to evolve, its leadership structure is poised to adapt, ensuring that Samsung stays ahead in the ever-competitive tech industry.
