Kwon Oh-hyun Walking the Path with Kim Ki-nam... Samsung Electronics' 'Salaryman Chairman' Myth Rewritten Again

Kim Ki-nam, Chairman of Samsung Electronics

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Kim Ki-nam, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, was promoted to chairman on the 7th, writing another 'salaryman chairman' myth following former Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun. As an engineer who dedicated 40 years to semiconductors, Chairman Kim contributed to Samsung Electronics maintaining its position as the 'global number one semiconductor' leader. Like former Chairman Kwon, he will now focus on nurturing future talents at the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology.

Chairman Kim's promotion came after 40 years with the company. Since joining Samsung Electronics in 1981, he has held various positions including Head of the Memory Business Division, Head of the System LSI Business Division, President of Samsung Display, and President overseeing semiconductors in the DS Division. This career path parallels that of former Chairman Kwon, who also started as a new employee in Samsung's semiconductor division, progressed through memory, System LSI, and DS divisions, and eventually became Samsung Electronics chairman, embodying the success story of a salaryman.

Kwon Oh-hyun, Former Chairman of Samsung Electronics

Now, Chairman Kim is expected to devote his efforts to future technology development at the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, where former Chairman Kwon also served. Kim previously served as the head of the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology from 2010 to 2012. In an interview at that time, he stated, "The Advanced Institute of Technology is not only responsible for Samsung's future but also plays a key role in leading our country," and pledged to enable researchers to take on diverse challenges.

At Samsung Electronics, which has grown into a global company based on technological prowess, Kim has been entrusted with the role of encouraging young researchers as both an engineer and a senior figure. In an interview with the Seoul National University Alumni Association newsletter last year, Kim said, "For 40 years since joining, I have never lost interest in technological advancement and new ideas as a semiconductor engineer," adding, "I believe my duty and role will continue to be overcoming crises and pioneering the future with Samsung Electronics and our country's semiconductor industry at the center."