In the industrial belt of Sriperumbudur — a region that has transformed into one of Tamil Nadu’s most important manufacturing corridors — Samsung’s Chennai plant is quietly shaping another story of progress. Workers who began on the shopfloor have now stepped into leadership roles over time.

As Samsung completes 30 years in India, its long-term presence in Tamil Nadu reflects not only manufacturing scale, but sustained investment in people.

Several employees who joined as entry-level technicians have progressed into specialist and supervisory roles across procurement, utilities and production — demonstrating how structured training, internal mobility and mentorship are enabling upward career movement within the plant.

Rajaram S, Thamizh Selvi K, Karthick N and V Prabasan from Samsung Chennai Plant in Sriperumbudur

Growth Rooted in Opportunity

For Karthick N, an associate in the Indirect Procurement Team, the journey began as a Production Employee in the AC plant, working at a basic technician level. Like many early-career professionals, repetition sometimes brought moments of boredom. But instead of standing still, Karthick chose movement — learning new processes, exploring different responsibilities, and steadily reshaping his path.

“Every experience I learned made me progress,” he said. Structured learning interventions like CLAS and CDP training programmes became defining moments, helping transform consistency into confidence. Today, he speaks not just of career progression, but of purpose. “I feel proud to work for Samsung. My work has meaning.”

That sentiment echoes across the plant.

At Samsung Chennai plant, the Associate designation represents a significant career milestone earned through years of experience, skill-building, and formal assessment. Employees typically progress through multiple operator and technician levels over 12 to 15 years, gaining deep technical expertise and operational understanding.

Those who further invest in higher education can qualify for structured programmes such as Career Development Programme (CDP) and Career Level Assessment (CLAS).

At the heart of many such journeys lies reinvention.

Thamizh Selvi K, Associate in System Stock management Team, joined Samsung Chennai in 2007, fresh out of higher secondary education. For her, the job represented more than employment — it marked “the turning point” for her life and family.

Her early years in the PBA team were defined by skill-building and multi-stage exposure. Over nearly 15 years, she evolved from line operations to line management, guided by leaders who recognised both effort and potential. The Internal Job Posting (IJP) opportunity eventually opened the door to R&D — a long-held aspiration.

Even when the transition involved temporary financial adjustments during GET training, she chose belief over hesitation. “I saw it as the beginning of achieving my dream.”

Today, holding an MBA earned while working, she reflects on a journey built on perseverance, continuous learning, and organisational support. “If you have talent, commitment and a supportive work environment, opportunities will come.”

Similarly, when Rajaram S, Associate in Utility – Mechanical & Civil Team joined as a Technician, the transition into a new environment brought its own learning curve. What stands out most in his memory is not the challenge, but the support. “The guidance from managers and the team gave me confidence,” he said.

Over time, his responsibilities expanded — from basic duties to planning, coordination, and team leadership. Continuous pivotal assignments proved to be breakthroughs, allowing Rajaram to demonstrate his capabilities on a larger stage. “These opportunities helped me grow technically and personally. Today, I make decisions with greater confidence.”

Growth, here, is rarely accidental.

Internal Mobility as a Pathway

For V Prabasan, Associate, Indirect Procurement, who joined almost two decades ago, in the CRT TV line, the plant initially felt like “a small family.” In those early years, with fewer teams and a single plant, collaboration came naturally. “Everyone felt like close friends,” he recalls.

What continues to shape his journey is the discipline embedded in the workplace culture. “Samsung’s standards brought more punctuality, discipline, and clarity to my life goals.” Encouraged to move beyond manual processes, Prabasan went on to develop an automated HS Code Management System, simplifying workflows within import purchase operations — a reminder that innovation is not confined to R&D labs.

Across these stories runs a common thread — not dramatic leaps, but steady progression enabled by training, mentorship, and a culture that encourages employees to stretch beyond defined roles.

Professional growth here is deeply personal.

For Karthick, it means security and happiness for his family. For Rajaram, maturity and confidence in decision-making. For Prabasan, discipline and clarity of vision. For Thamizh Selvi K, not just career advancement, but becoming an example for the next generation.

Their advice to newcomers is strikingly similar: stay curious, stay consistent, keep learning, prioritise safety, and trust the journey.

Because at Samsung Chennai plant, careers are not merely built.  They are grown — from within.

For 30 years, Samsung’s story in India has been written not only through products, plants and patents, but through the people who have built the company—step by step—alongside the country’s own transformation.

From factory floors and R&D labs to sales networks, design studios and corporate teams, Samsung India’s growth has been powered by a culture where employees feel trusted, challenged and proud to contribute. As Samsung marks three decades in India, the company’s workplace identity has become deeply rooted in opportunity, learning and purpose—making it a destination for talent that wants to create impact at scale.

A Culture Built on Trust and Ownership

Across Samsung India, careers are shaped by capability and curiosity. Employees are encouraged to take ownership early, collaborate across teams and build solutions that solve real-world problems.

“Samsung always gave me responsibilities that made me feel truly empowered,” said Sheetal Sharma, General Manager, R&D Product Development Planning from SRI Delhi.

“That trust pushed me to think beyond my role—to think like an innovator, not just an engineer. Over the last 22 years, I have grown with Samsung from the embedded systems era to AI-driven TVs, constantly evolving as a technologist and innovator.”

For many, that sense of ownership is what turns a role into a long-term journey—one that spans businesses, geographies and leadership pathways.

Innovation from India, for the World

Samsung India today is home to one of Samsung’s largest R&D ecosystems outside Korea, supported by world-class manufacturing and design capabilities. For professionals, this means building technology that touches millions—and often billions—of lives.

“Building intelligent, personalised experiences for Galaxy AI has been a profoundly enriching experience,” said Tarun Gopalakrishnan, General Manager, R&D Product Development Planning from SRI Bangalore.

“Our aim has been to identify new ways to boost user productivity and personalise experiences to suit users’ lifestyles.”

He added that the scale of impact brings unmatched pride.

“When billions of users worldwide engage with these features, it’s incredibly rewarding and motivating for us and the global cross-functional teams we work with.”

That feeling is echoed strongly within Samsung’s Bangalore innovation teams.

“Today, knowing that solutions built in India power devices worldwide is deeply motivating,” said Vishal Bhushan Jha, Senior Chief Designer, Interaction Design from SRI Bengaluru.

“Seeing how your work takes wings in the real world—especially when customers experience joy through it—is truly unexplainable.”

Inclusion That Employees Can Feel Every Day

Over the years, Samsung India has sharpened its focus on creating a workplace where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive—strengthening participation and growth for women across manufacturing, R&D and leadership roles.

“For me, inclusion at Samsung isn’t just a policy—it’s visible in how teams function,” said Kusum Rawat, Assistant Manager, Employee Relations, Samsung Noida Plant.

“Samsung fosters a culture that continuously motivates its employees.”

For teams on the ground, pride comes from being part of a company that evolves with them.

“The trust Samsung places in me and my colleagues, along with its constantly evolving technology and innovation, keeps me deeply connected to the brand,” said Senduran NS, Director, Production Procss Management, Samsung Chennai Plant.

Purpose Beyond the Workplace

Samsung’s people-first culture extends beyond the organisation into the communities where it operates. Through its CSR vision Together for Tomorrow – Enabling People, Samsung has positively impacted over 1.5 million beneficiaries across India through education, innovation, skilling and social inclusion.

“Being part of Samsung means contributing to something larger than yourself,” said Kamal Sharma, Director, HME, Samsung India.

“Our work—whether inside the office or in communities—is connected by the same goal of enabling progress. When Nanum kiosks were set up in our office, it gave employees like me an opportunity to directly support the education of 200 children, creating a deep sense of purpose.”

A Workplace That Grows with Its People

As Samsung India steps into its next decade, the focus remains on strengthening leadership pipelines, future-ready skills and an environment where innovation is built on collaboration, well-being and trust.

“Thirty years on, Samsung feels like a place that is continuously building for the future,” said Vikas Gupta, Chief Manager, Treasury, Samsung India.

“Here, people truly matter. Individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to achieve excellence—it feels like a big family that continues to grow stronger every day.”

For employees who have grown alongside the organisation, pride comes from being trusted to evolve—again and again.

“Samsung enabled me to keep learning, take greater responsibility and grow alongside its ambition,” said Pankaj Mishra, Chief Technical Officer & Vice President, Software R&D, SRI Delhi.

From its early years in 1995 to becoming one of India’s most trusted technology brands, Samsung’s journey has been inseparable from the people who have shaped it—engineers, technicians, creators, problem-solvers and leaders who believe that progress is strongest when it is powered by people.

And as Samsung celebrates 30 years in India, one belief remains constant: its greatest strength is—and will always be—its people.

What began as an informal conversation platform over a cup of chai, coffee, or a plate of snacks has grown into an integral part of Samsung’s employee culture. ConnectX is not just about meetings; it’s about moments. These sessions have brought to life inspiring personal stories, heartfelt anecdotes, and laughter, helping employees and leaders see each other as people first.

A Journey of Conversations & Care

From its very first session, ConnectX was envisioned as a platform where employees could go beyond work to know their leaders—their journeys, families, and life experiences. Equally, leaders gained first-hand insights into the diverse perspectives, aspirations, and challenges of their teams across business functions.

Over time, ConnectX has become a bridge between leadership and employees. What started with the CEO has now cascaded across the organization. Today, both business heads and divisional leaders host monthly ConnectX sessions across India, ensuring employees from different regions and backgrounds feel heard and valued.

ConnectX in 2025

This year alone, Samsung has held over 32 leadership connects across pan-India locations. These gatherings have brought together employees ranging from Gen Z new joiners and management trainees to long-service awardees, women professionals, recognition winners & other employees.

“Through ConnectX, we wanted to create a space where leaders and employees could connect as people, not just colleagues. These sessions are about listening deeply, celebrating achievements, sharing our vision, and building trust. The feedback and stories we hear at these connects are invaluable, and they remind us that Samsung’s culture is at its strongest when dialogue is open and bonds are personal,” said Rishabh Nagpal, Head of People Team, Samsung Southwest Asia.

The Spirit of ConnectX

For employees, the program has been a chance to feel closer to leadership and to Samsung’s broader journey in India. For leaders, it has been a platform to convey their approachability, gather grassroot feedback, and align teams with the company’s vision for the future.

Looking Ahead

As ConnectX continues to grow, it reflects Samsung’s commitment to listening, caring, and connecting with employees at every level. Beyond strategies and goals, these sessions remind us that what truly powers Samsung’s success is its people. At its heart, ConnectX is about building bonds that last beyond the workplace, beyond titles, fueling a culture of belonging and togetherness.