- Ken Kang was the head of Samsung’s India mobile business till 2017
- Samsung had rejigged its global leadership team recently
Ken Kang, Samsung (File Photo)Samsung is aiming to regain its lost share in the mobile business reported the Economic Times. The company has already informed select trade partners and employees about the exit of HC Hong as its managing director. Hong, as per the report, will now Samsung’s Latin American region.
Ken Kang is currently the head of Samsung’s smartphone business for the middle east region. He was the head of Samsung’s India mobile business till 2017.
Competition from the China-based brands
Samsung, a Korea-headquartered consumer electronics and smartphones giant is currently facing stiff competition from the likes of Xiaomi, Oneplus, Vivo, Oppo and Realme. It is to be noted here that all of these smartphone brands are based in China. As a matter of fact, Oneplus, Vivo, Oppo and Realme operate under the umbrella of BBK.
Xiaomi, as per a recent report by Counterpoint Research, recorded in highest ever shipments with a 26 per cent share. Its shipments grew seven per cent YoY driven by good performance of its models in the online segment. Samsung shipments declined by for per cent YoY, however, it has shown three per cent growth QoQ driven by its budget segment device Galaxy A2 Core and its upgraded A series and M series (A30s, M30s, A10s, A50s and M10s).
Vivo reached its highest ever share in the India smartphone market driven by good performance of its mid-segment series (vivo S1 and Y17) and increased focus towards the online segment with its recently launched devices U10, Z1X and Z1 Pro. Realme also recorded its highest ever shipments and is the fastest growing brand registering a 6X growth as compared to last year when it entered the Indian market. Oppo grew 12 per cent YoY, due to demand for its budget segment device A5s and steady performance of its F11 series.
Samsung is yet to make an official statement regarding the appointment of Ken Kang. The report also highlighted towards more changes possible in Samsung’s smartphone leadership team in India once Ken Kang takes over.
