WSJ Tech News Briefing
Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Samsung Moves to One CEO After Leader’s Death
Host: Victoria Craig
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Samsung Elections Co. Faces Leadership Uncertainty
In the wake of the sudden death of co-CEO Jung Hee Han, Victoria Craig addresses the immediate ramifications for Samsung Electronics Co. Han's unexpected demise due to cardiac arrest has thrust the South Korean tech giant into a period of uncertainty. As Craig reports:
“In a filing today, Samsung expressed condolences and said it appointed its other CEO, Junyoung Heun, to serve solo in the joint leadership role” (00:32).
The co-CEO system, initially implemented to manage Samsung's diverse portfolio—from smartphones to home appliances—and to oversee its role as a supplier to other tech companies, is now under scrutiny. Craig highlights the broader challenges Samsung is encountering:
“Today's news is another jolt for the South Korean firm, which has stumbled in the AI race and is facing US Tariff barriers” (00:32).
The departure of Han raises questions about Samsung's strategic direction, especially as it grapples with competitive pressures in the rapidly evolving AI landscape and ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
Tesla Struggles with Sales and Production in the European Union
Shifting focus to the electric vehicle market, Victoria Craig delves into Tesla's recent hurdles within the European Union. Despite a general uptick in demand for electric cars, Tesla has seen a significant decline in both sales and stock performance:
“Sales of Elon Musk's vehicles have fallen despite an overall increase in demand there for electric cars” (00:32).
Craig explains that Tesla's production facility in Berlin is undergoing reconfiguration to produce the new Model Y SUV. This operational shift has led to:
“Limited supplies or made customers wait” (00:32),
resulting in a nearly 50% drop in new Tesla registrations last month in the EU, following a prior decline in January that triggered a sell-off in Tesla's stock. The company's shares have continued to tumble, down approximately 24% so far this year. Craig underscores the impact of these developments on Tesla's market position and investor confidence.
Trump Media and Technology Sees Stock Surge Amid New ETF Launch
Lastly, Victoria Craig covers the surprising stock movement of Trump Media and Technology:
“Shares of Trump Media and Technology rose more than 8% today” (00:32).
This increase is attributed to the company's announcement of a collaboration with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs). As President Trump's Truth Social Platform's parent company ventures into financial services, they aim to include:
“Securities with a Made in America focus” (00:32).
Trading under the ticker symbol DJT on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, Trump Media's strategic diversification into financial products marks a significant shift from its origins, potentially attracting a new segment of investors and altering its market trajectory.
Conclusion
In this episode, Victoria Craig provides a comprehensive overview of pivotal developments in the tech industry, highlighting leadership changes at Samsung, operational challenges facing Tesla in Europe, and the strategic financial maneuvers of Trump Media and Technology. These stories collectively underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the technology sector.
For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates in tech, tune into Wednesday's Tech News Briefing podcast.
Timestamp Reference:
- 00:32 – Main content delivered by Victoria Craig