Samsung Electronics has announced the nomination of key semiconductor executives to its board of directors, aiming to strengthen its position in the competitive chip industry.
The nominees include Jun Young-hyun, head of Samsung’s chip business, and Song Jai-hyuk, the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Additionally, Seoul National University Professor Lee Hyuk-jae, a renowned semiconductor expert, has been nominated as an outside director.
These nominations will be put to a vote at the company’s shareholders’ meeting on March 19, 2025.
If approved, the new board members are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Samsung’s strategy in the semiconductor sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.
This strategic move comes as Samsung faces significant challenges in its semiconductor division. The company recently lost its market leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, crucial components for Nvidia’s AI graphics processing units, to local rival SK Hynix.
In response, Samsung has been actively restructuring its leadership to enhance competitiveness. In November of last year, the company appointed Jun Young-hyun as co-CEO and head of the memory chip business and Han Jin-man as president and head of the foundry business as part of a major reshuffle.
Challenges in the AI Chip Market
Despite its efforts, Samsung Electronics has faced supply chain delays affecting its AI chip deliveries to Nvidia, impacting its financial performance. Additionally, its semiconductor expansion in the U.S. has encountered setbacks, with reports indicating delays in production at its new Texas facility until 2026.
Furthermore, Samsung’s stock performance has lagged behind competitors, with its share price reflecting investor concerns over the company’s ability to stay competitive in the AI chip sector.
The upcoming shareholders’ meeting in March will be a critical moment for Samsung as it seeks approval for its newly nominated board members. If the nominations are confirmed, Samsung will likely accelerate its efforts to regain market share in AI chips and reinforce its semiconductor business.