Samsung Galaxy Loses Leader

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Samsung Omar Khan, has stepped down to join Citibank.  This is a huge blow to the Samsung Mobile division, especially the Galaxy Android series as he was a vital proponent in its success.  He was an instrumental part in getting the Galaxy series, mainly the Samsung Galaxy S, into North America and improved the strategic relationships between Samsung and U.S. telecommunication carriers.

Omar Khan was also an instrumental player in bringing forth the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab, though the S2 has yet to make an appearance in the U.S. market.  With increasing competition from the likes of HTC and Motorola, as well as pressure from Apple, the Samsung Mobile division needs as much help as they can get at the C-level.

While Samsung has stated that he will maintain a "working relationship" with the company, it's still a big blow to the company.  Samsung has yet to announce a new CTO to replace him.  Hopefully the next CTO will continue to be a large stakeholder in getting the Samsung Mobile division highlighted.  Though one has to wonder if the rumored supply chain changes, lawsuits from Apple, and the now, harder to enter U.S. market, have caused the current CTO to resign before things begin to fall for the mobile division.