Samsung Appoints Convicted Heir as its Executive Chairman.

South Korean electronics giant Samsung has named convicted heir and de facto boss Lee Jae-Yong as its executive chairman.

The symbolic move means the world’s biggest smartphone maker would now be officially run by the third generation of its founding family.

Lee, who was convicted of bribery and embezzlement in 2017, was granted a special presidential pardon in August after he was imprisoned twice for bribing a former president.

The Board cited the current uncertain global business environment and the pressing need for stronger accountability and business stability in approving the recommendation.