Samsung denies hiring ex-Acer CEO

By Kim Yoo-chul

Samsung Electronics denied rumors Sunday that it had hired the former chief executive of Taiwan-based computer giant maker Acer to join its laptop computer division.

Gianfranco Lanci, an Italian who doubles as an influential personal computer (PC) industry figure, left Acer in March.

Lanci’s contract with Acer reportedly included a provision that prohibits him from joining other electronics firms for a specific period of time after departing.

``It’s groundless as we have never considered Lanci,’’ said Samsung spokesman Shin Young-june, Sunday. Acer’s Korean officials refused to comment.

Acer is one of the world’s leading brands in portable PCs, a market where Samsung has struggled to elevate itself from the crowd of also-rans.

However, industry sources believe that the Lanci-to-Samsung rumors still have legs as Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung has been looking for new personnel to boost the company’s PC division.

Bringing Lanci on board of course would be a risky move for Samsung.

Although they compete in finished products, they are more like friends in parts as Acer has been one of Samsung’s biggest clients in key components like memory chips.

``Apple has been diversifying its chip supplement channels in the wake of the deepening litigation fights with Samsung. If Acer also lowers its portion on Samsung for chips, then that’s negative,’’ said an industry source.