For the first time in five years, Samsung expands its executive ranks — a move to boost its AI ambitions?

(Seoul, 25th) Samsung Electronics announced its annual personnel reshuffle today, marking the first expansion of managerial roles in nearly five years. A total of 161 executives were promoted—an increase from last year’s 137—mainly within the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor divisions, including specialists in chip defect and yield analysis, as the company aims to boost mobile innovation and regain semiconductor competitiveness.

In the 2026 personnel cycle, Samsung promoted 51 executive vice presidents and 93 vice presidents. The company highlighted that many newly promoted executives are in their 30s and 40s, reflecting ongoing efforts to accelerate generational leadership change.

Promotions focused on AI and semiconductor sectors

Many newly appointed executive vice presidents come from AI, mobile processors, and semiconductor units. Since Roh Tae-moon became the co-CEO of the Device eXperience (DX) division, rapid promotions have been observed particularly in the Mobile eXperience (MX) division, which oversees the smartphone business. DX also promoted key individuals driving mobile AI innovation.

Within its semiconductor business, Samsung elevated several defect-analysis and yield-improvement experts to executive positions, including Kim Yong-dae (transliterated), known internally as a “yield problem solver.” These moves aim to raise manufacturing yields and help Samsung reclaim leadership in the DRAM market.

Samsung Research also promoted a significant number of new leaders to accelerate future technologies, including mobile AI functionality and robotics software development.