Lenovo hires ex-Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci to lead new EMEA division

Lenovo, the world's second-largest PC manufacturer, has hired former Acer chief Gianfranco Lanci as part of a business reorganization plan. Lanci, a Lenovo consultant since September, will head up the company's new Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) division. Lenovo, second only to HP in global PC shipments, is pushing ahead with its reorganization plans from April 2nd, just a year after Lanci stepped down as Acer CEO following disagreements with the company's board of directors.

Lanci helped Acer acquire US computer makers Gateway during 2007, in a move that prevented Lenovo from purchasing Packard Bell, thanks to Gateway's Acer-funded merger with Packard Bell. This is Lenovo's second major company reorganization following its purchase of IBM's PC business back in 2005, and one that the company hopes will create "stronger, faster and more-focused organizations to execute." Lenovo's focus on the EMEA region will see the company protect its PC business whilst expanding in other markets, including mobile and consumer electronics — something Lanci attempted to achieve at Acer.