Former US Ambassador Mark Lippert to join Samsung Electronics

Mark Lippert. Korea Times file

By Lee Kyung-min

Former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Mark Lippert is expected to join Samsung Electronics next month, functioning as an effective intermediary between Korea and the U.S. amid heightened tension over economic and national security concerning semiconductor, battery and vaccine manufacturing, according to industry watchers, Friday.

How effectively he integrates his deep understanding of Korean corporate culture with ongoing, sensitive chip-making trade issues remains to be seen. Lippert will also be tested by growing U.S. demands, notably the insistence on Samsung and SK hynix providing sensitive semiconductor data.

The widely known Korea-friendly figure who served from 2014 and 2017 as ambassador under the Obama administration, will assume the role of executive vice president and head of corporate affairs for Samsung Electronics America, replacing his predecessor David Steel whose term ended in July of last year.

The former ambassador will report to top Samsung Electronics figures for businesses in the North American region, focusing primarily on enhancing the firm's reputation through effective management and influence on key policy points for issues concerning global supply chains, technological alliances, cyber security and the escalating U.S.-China hegemony war.