Lenovo Picks Up Acer's Ex-CEO, Gianfranco Lanci, As A Consultant

Gianfranco Lanci. Remember that name? Just a few short months ago, that man was the CEO of Acer, a prominent PC and tablet maker. But things didn't quite work out over there, so he found himself on the outside looking in at the corner office he used to occupy. But as with most CEOs who find themselves out of a job, he only had to draw unemployment for a short while. Now, Lanci's being welcomed with open arms as a consultant with Lenovo -- one of Acer's biggest rivals.

He will have a particular focus on Lenovo's integration of Medion, a leading German technology company acquired in July by Lenovo to significantly enhance its consumer presence, channels and capabilities in Western Europe. The release states that Lanci will work closely with Yuanqing Yang, Lenovo CEO, and the rest of Lenovo's senior leadership team, and will remain based in Italy. Lenovo's clearly not backing down; while HP's using this period to shop their personal PC group, Lenovo's picking up a seasoned guide to help it expand. Only time will tell if it's a wise move, and we can only imagine what Acer's thinking. "You've got to be kidding me?" Or perhaps, "Suckers!"

Lenovo today confirmed that Gianfranco Lanci, former CEO of Acer, is joining the company as a consultant to help develop and accelerate Lenovo's worldwide consumer business. He will have a particular focus on Lenovo's integration of Medion, a leading German technology company acquired in July by Lenovo to significantly enhance its consumer presence, channels and capabilities in Western Europe.

Mr. Lanci will work closely with Yuanqing Yang, Lenovo CEO, and the rest of Lenovo's senior leadership team. He will be based in Italy.

Mr. Lanci is bringing his expertise to the world's third largest PC maker during a period of rapid growth and sustained success. Lenovo has been the fastest growing major PC manufacturer for seven straight quarters. The company recently announced its first quarter earnings, including record global market share (12.2%), record quarterly unit sales (more than 10 million units) and gains in virtually every region and product segment, while almost doubling profits year-to-year.

The following statement is attributable to Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang:
"Lenovo is fully committed to the PC industry. We are very optimistic about its future, while making significant long-term investments in the mobile internet. Because of this, exceptional people like Gianfranco are joining Lenovo. We have the right strategy, innovative products, strong culture, and a talented team. These key elements of our core competitiveness will help us to continue winning. Therefore, Lenovo is the best working place for talented people."

"As a consultant to us, Gianfranco brings years of expertise and insights to Lenovo that will help us strengthen our growing global consumer business. Talented people are joining Lenovo because of our commitment to the PC industry, outstanding momentum and optimism about the future. We will continue to strengthen our company by building the best global team in the industry."

Lenovo's Momentum
By advancing the right strategy of balanced, profitable growth and strong execution, Lenovo has outperformed the industry in all geographies, customer segments and product segments on its journey toward becoming one of the leading personal technology companies in the world


· Roughly doubled net profit YTY in Q1 ($108m)
· Fastest growing of top 5: 7 straight quarters (8X market in Q1)
· Outgrowing market: 9 straight quarters
· Grew 8X market (23.1% to 2.7%)
· Record units in Q1 of over 10 million
· #3 WW share in PCs; Record share of 12.2%
· Record share in both Mature and Emerging
· Number 1 in global relationship NB (Large enterprise/public sector)
· Number 2 in global commercial NB
· Number 1 in China and growing: Extended lead vs. competitors as China overtook U.S. for 1st time as world's largest PC market.
· Number 1 in global Emerging markets: Grew 3x the market rate (46.5% v. 14.7% to reach record 16.6%).
· Number 2 in WW all-in-one PCs