Samsung has been praising the Galaxy S5 as the Next Big Thing and even hinted that sales would top the previous Galaxy S4 flagship. However, behind the 5.1-inch faux-leather backing is an apparent internal battle at Samsung’s headquarters.
According to a report in Reuters, the criticism that the GS5 has received regarding how the design lines are similar to other Samsung smartphones was too much, leading to a decision to replace Chang Dong-hoon, head of the mobile design team. Samsung didn’t comment on the specifics as to why the change in leadership happened, but stepping into his shoes is Lee Min-hyouk, who’s was previously the VP of mobile design. Lee is known within Samsung HQ as “Midas” for his assistance in improving the Galaxy lineup.
Update: Samsung has issued the following statement about the “realignment” of its mobile design team:
“Vice President Min-hyouk Lee has recently been promoted to Head of Design Team within the Mobile Communications Business of Samsung Electronics. The realignment enables Executive Vice President Dong-hoon Chang to focus more on his role as Head of Design Strategy Team, the company’s corporate design center which is responsible for long-term design strategy across all of Samsung Electronics’ businesses, including Mobile Communications.”
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