Lenovo installs ex-HP man as EMEA boss

Eric Cador to head up Lenovo's EMEA operations

Lenovo has poached a former HP exec to head its EMEA team as it reshuffles its senior management positions.

Eric Cador, who previously led HP's PC business in EMEA as senior vice president of the Personal System Group, before he stepped down in 2013, will become Lenovo's senior vice president and president of EMEA effective from 1 May.

In total, Cador was at HP for 28 years, and was in the leadership team during the Compaq merger in 2001.

Gianfranco Lanci, president and chief operating officer at Lenovo Group, said: "In Eric, we have attracted a unique talent to our company – an industry veteran with an incredible track record for delivering growth, deep insights into our industry, and a strong competitive spirit."

Cador will replace Aymar de Lencquesaing, who moves from the role of president of EMEA to president of Lenovo North America, effective today.

During de Lencquesaing's tenure in EMEA, Lenovo claims it sold more tablets than any other territory in which it operates, and also grew its smartphone business to nearly 50 countries in EMEA.

"In Aymar, we are placing one of our most proven leaders in the strategically crucial North America market to not only build on our strong foundation, but also to deliver the kind of profitable growth and business diversification we have seen in EMEA," Lanci said.

"We are proud to have the most diverse, experienced and talented leadership team in our industry – and this is a core competitive strength for Lenovo. We can attract great talent because our business is strong, our strategy is clear and our opportunity looking forward is substantial."

Lencquesaing and Cador will both report to Lanci in their new positions.