Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci quits after boardroom clash

Acer President and CEO Gianfranco Lanci has stepped down from his post at the computing firm after clashing with fellow members of the board over the direction the company was taking.

“Different views” caused the rift, with returned focus to PCs for the company now planned after increasing flirtations with the mobile and tablet markets.

Acer Chairman J.T. Wang will now take charge for an interim period.

“The personal computer remains the core of our business,” said Wang. “We have built up a strong foundation and will continue to expand within, especially in the commercial PC segment.

“In addition, we are stepping into the new mobile device market, where we will invest cautiously and aim to become one of the leading players.

“In this new ICT industry Acer needs a period of time for adjustment. With the spirit of entrepreneurship, we will face new challenges and look to the future with confidence.”

It’s been a rough few months for Acer, who saw their share price drop by 25% since the end of last year, according to the Financial Times.