Samsung Electronics replaces all heads of overseas units

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest maker of
computer memory chips, said Wednesday it replaced all heads of its overseas units
as the company is coping with the deepening global economic slump.

The replacement of chief executives at overseas subsidiaries comes less than a
week after Samsung consolidated its four business divisions -- semiconductors,
liquid-crystal displays, mobile phones and consumer electronics -- into two major
groups, in what some analysts say shows a shift to focus on profitability.
Samsung, which is also the world's No. 1 maker of liquid-crystal displays and No.
2 maker of mobile phones, has been hurt by sinking global demand for
semiconductors and flat-panel televisions amid the financial turbulence.
The company, which is due to release its earnings for the final quarter of 2008,
is expected to post a net loss, according to some analysts.
Under Wednesday's reshuffle, Vice President Choi Chang-gyu was named to lead
Samsung's U.S. subsidiary and Vice President Shin Sang-heung was appointed to
lead the company's European operations.
(END)