Samsung Names TFT-LCD Industry Veteran Joe Virginia to Head U.S. Business Division.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2003

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world's largest provider of high-quality TFT-LCD panels, today announces the expansion of its senior-level management team with the appointment of Joe Virginia to vice president of sales and marketing for the America region. Mr. Virginia will be responsible for defining and implementing the sales and marketing strategies to capitalize on US market opportunity for Samsung's extensive portfolio of high-resolution TFT-LCD panels, ranging from 1.8 inches for mobile phones to 54 inches for emerging high-definition TVs.

According to Ross Young, president of market research firm DisplaySearch, "Our 2002 figures indicate a 51 percent increase in the global TFT-LCD market to $22 billion. With their significant capital expenditure announcements for expanding manufacturing capacity in 2003, Samsung will continue to hold a commanding position. Moreover, the appointment of Mr. Virginia demonstrates a clear commitment by Samsung to continue building a customer service environment that helps customers succeed in the TFT-LCD and the emerging LCD-TV markets."

Marketed under the WiseView(TM) brand, Samsung TFT-LCDs have won worldwide customer acclaim for superior viewing angles, rich-vibrant colors, and clarity. Samsung currently holds the number one position in the TFT-LCD market. The company has held its leadership position since 1998 by providing the industry's most reliable and competitively priced products.

"The new U.S.-based TFT-LCD vice president position strengthens customer relationships in an important growth market for Samsung," notes H.J. Kim, president of Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "Joe Virginia's extensive experience in the flat panel display industry, particularly in the TFT-LCD and plasma arena, gives him valuable insight into the market and customer needs--key to the development of programs that grow our business."

Joe Virginia comments, "Samsung has all the essential ...