Founded in 1976, Acer is a Taiwanese multinational company that specializes in advanced electronics technology. Acer is one of the world’s top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. It produces various products, such as laptops, desktops, tablets, monitors, projectors, and Chromebooks. Acer is one of the world’s largest PC vendors, and it also has a presence in the gaming, education, and business sectors. Acer’s mission is to break the barriers between people and technology and to provide innovative solutions that enhance people’s lives.
As Acer evolved with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is now focused on enabling a world where hardware, software, and services will fuse, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer distinguishes itself by offering an extensive range of products and services catering to both commercial and consumer segments. Its commitment to breaking barriers between people and technology, coupled with a focus on a long-term vision, has positioned it uniquely in the market.
“Acer’s 7,700 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. We’ve created an atmosphere that stimulates creativity and encourages individuality, freedom, and autonomy,” shares Mr. Harish Kohli, President & Managing Director at Acer India.
An Industry Veteran
With a career spanning over 40 years in the Computer Hardware industry, Harish has had the privilege of playing significant roles at various companies before joining Acer in 1999. At Acer, he has held various roles, starting as the General Manager of Sales in 1999 and progressing to become the Managing Director in 2011. Since September 2016, he has led Acer’s ‘Pan Asia Pacific (PAP) Regional Commercial Task Team,’ focusing on financial strategy planning for the region.
Harish’s career in the Computer Hardware industry stems from a genuine passion for technology’s impact on people’s lives and the industry’s dynamic nature. Joining Acer in 1999, was a deliberate choice, driven by the company’s commitment to breaking barriers between people and technology. “I’m motivated to contribute meaningfully to Acer’s journey and the broader industry through innovative solutions. Over the past two decades, I’ve been involved in efforts to bridge the gap between people and technology and contributed to Acer India’s growth across Commercial and Consumer segments,” he shares.
Navigating Challenges
One of the most notable challenges in his career, mentions Harish, occurred at Acer India, where he held nationwide responsibility for revenues and profitability. Successfully addressing this challenge required strategic planning and implementation, with a focus on establishing a robust foundation across all market segments. The experience underscored the significance of resilience, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach. “When Acer entered the Indian market, a key challenge was to grow and establish the brand, securing market share across crucial segments. Acer has since become a leading brand, attaining top positions in multiple market segments, a testament to our diverse product portfolio,” he shares.
Navigating the dynamic landscape of technology, which undergoes constant change, requires a deep understanding of consumers and the industry. As a leader, anticipating consumer behavior and staying ahead of industry trends is crucial, feels Harish. Recent months have demonstrated shifts in consumer demand and purchasing behavior, prompting us to swiftly adapt and play a pivotal role in their digital transformation. He strongly believes that every challenge and crisis serve as a chance for growth, and Acer’s outstanding team, they are well-positioned not only to overcome challenges but to emerge even stronger.
Taking Acer to the Leader Board
The achievements of Acer India are rooted in a set of fundamental leadership principles. These encompass emphasizing a customer-centric perspective, promoting innovation, and empowering our team. Harish shares that their leadership style is grounded in transparency, integrity, and a commitment to quality, forming the basis for Acer’s consistent growth. Acer has instilled a culture that encourages all employees to share ideas, stressing the significance of implementing valuable suggestions to foster creativity and ongoing improvement within the organization.
“I encountered various challenges in leading a dynamic organization. One notable obstacle was navigating the complexities of market fluctuations, which required agile strategies to adapt to changing economic conditions. Additionally, the competitive landscape posed challenges, necessitating a focus on innovation and differentiation to maintain our market position,” he shares.
Internally, aligning diverse teams with the company’s vision and ensuring optimal collaboration presented another set of challenges for Harish. Surmounting these challenges required establishing effective communication channels, cultivating a culture of ongoing enhancement, and offering specialized training programs to boost team skills.
Strategic decision-making during periods of uncertainty, such as global economic downturns or unforeseen industry disruptions, demanded a careful balance of risk mitigation and seizing opportunities from the leadership team. Implementing comprehensive risk management strategies and leveraging emerging trends were crucial for overcoming these challenges.
Contributing to the Sustainability Goals
Acer is actively integrating eco-friendly practices into operations and product development to contribute to environmental well-being. Their focus on energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and responsible sourcing is evident in initiatives like the Vero product line, emphasizing sustainability. Committed to carbon neutrality for the Aspire Vero laptop line, they’ve joined the RE100 initiative for 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and pledged net-zero emissions by 2050.
“As a leading ICT company, we aim to amplify our environmental impact through collaboration. Sixty percent of critical suppliers are committed to RE100 or science-based carbon reduction targets. We’re progressing towards using 20-30% post-consumer recycled plastic in our computers and monitors by 2025, achieving 17% usage in 2022. Our ongoing initiatives showcase dedication to sustainability and positive industry influence,” shares Harish.
Preparing for Growth in the Coming Years
Acer is strategically advancing its footprint in the Indian market by expanding into consumer electronics, eMobility, and AI PCs. Its active participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative involves collaboration with local manufacturers, boasting an annual manufacturing capacity exceeding 3 million units. Acer’s commitment to cutting-edge technology is showcased through its focus on AI-powered PCs and entry into artificial intelligence products, particularly Generative AI. The investments in IC design chips and initiatives within the medical field underscore its dedication to innovation, shaping the future of the industry in India.
“To drive growth, Acer India intends to prioritize ongoing innovation, broaden its range of products, and capitalize on current technology trends. Strengthening our footprint in emerging markets and improving the customer experience in our retail outlets are integral elements of our growth plan,” concludes Harish.
Quote: “Beyond laptops, desktops, monitors, accessories, and peripherals, we have expanded our portfolio to include Purifiers.”
Quote: “Looking ahead, our strategic plan involves further diversifying our product offerings to continue meeting evolving market demands.”
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Mr. Harish Kohli’s Advice for the Young Entrepreneurs
I would recommend aspiring entrepreneurs embrace challenges, remain dedicated to their vision, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Long-term success in the dynamic business environment requires continuous learning, adaptability, and the formation of a motivated team. Leading by example is paramount; establishing high standards for oneself will inspire the team to pursue excellence and integrity.
Equipping your team with the right tools, training, and guidance is crucial for both their success and the organization’s success. As a leader, it’s essential to consider your employees as contributors to success stories and support their professional growth within the company. This collective effort is pivotal for the overall success of an organization.
A Quote to Live By
One quote that has had a profound impact on me is: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote resonates with the dynamic nature of leadership and business. It underscores the idea that success is a journey, not a destination. It reminds me to remain resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges, recognizing that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth. Embracing the courage to persevere through difficulties is the essence of sustained success and continual improvement.