Acer CEO and president resigns

LAPTOP MAKER Acer's CEO and president, Gianfranco Lanci, has resigned with immediate effect after differences between him and members of the board could not be resolved.

Acer revealed that Lanci had "different views" on the future development of the company and that a consensus could not be reached after months of debate amongst board members.

Acer offered assurances that the resignation would have no effect on its current operations and that it will continue to follow its current course.

The news comes as Acer reports strong revenue growth for 2010, up 9.6 per cent from the previous year. Operating income was also up by 18.7 per cent over 2009, making 2010 a record financial year for the company. However, it appears that this did little to offset internal difficulties, which led to Lanci's resignation.

Acer's chairman, J.T. Wang, will take on the role of interim CEO and president while a suitable replacement is sought. Walter Deppeler, the current deputy president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market, will take Lanci's place as president of Acer EMEA. µ