SEASONED TO PERFECTION
Mr. Harish Kohli, President and Managing Director of Acer India, is a seasoned player in the computer hardware industry with over four decades of experience. Under his leadership, Acer India has become a leading player in technology and the PC domain. Known for his mentorship and solution-centric approach, Mr. Kohli has transformed Acer India from a PC brand to a multifaceted technology frontrunner by driving innovation across various sectors. Mr. Kohli’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to be a guiding force in shaping the future of the company and the industry at large.
“MR. KOHLI’S PHILOSOPHY OF LIFELONG LEARNING AND GROWTH FUELS HIS LEADERSHIP STYLE. HE EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF ACQUIRING NEW SKILLS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE EVER-EVOLVING IT DOMAIN. HIS ENTHUSIASM FOR THE PC INDUSTRY STEMS FROM ITS CONSTANT INNOVATION AND CHALLENGES”
With over 40 years of experience in the IT industry, Mr. Kohli’s innovative approach has positioned Acer as the fastest-growing PC brand in India and a leading player in the country’s competitive technology market. Under his sterling stewardship, the organization has emerged as a comprehensive technology solutions provider.
Harish’s journey in the IT industry began long before he joined Acer India. His foundational years were marked by his work in various capacities across different IT sectors, where he honed his skills in managing diverse industry segments, customer engagement models, and partnerships. This extensive experience paved the way for his future success at Acer India.
After joining Acer India in 1999 as General Manager—Sales, Mr. Kohli was in charge of the Enterprise Product division’s India Sales & Marketing department. His ability to build and nurture strong market portfolios soon saw him rise through the ranks. As he continued to build on his stellar record, he was appointed Managing Director in December 2011. His elevation to President and Managing Director in May 2016 further solidified his position as a key player in Acer India’s global strategy.
Mr. Kohli’s vision of transforming the company from a traditional PC manufacturer to a lifestyle brand has set it on a path of diversification and expansion. A key aspect of this transformation is Acer India’s entry into the consumer electronics market with the launch of the Acerpure in India.
CUSTOMER-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP
Mr. Kohli’s customer-centric approach and deep understanding of emerging markets drive the company’s sustained growth and leadership in various industry segments. He is committed to providing advanced solutions that address the evolving needs of modern consumers. By delivering products and services that truly add value, he has helped Acer India build a loyal customer base.
SPEARHEADING INNOVATION IN GAMING AND BEYOND
Acer India’s momentous strides in the gaming sector under Mr. Kohli’s leadership deserve a special mention. The launch of the Predator series, along with innovative payment options and gaming events like the Predator Gaming League, has strengthened Acer India’s reputation in the gaming industry. Moreover, Acer India’s pioneering efforts in launching AI PCs and sustainably made products under the Vero series and high-performance computers portfolio reflect his goal of broadening the company’s scope beyond traditional computing solutions.
DRIVING MAKE-IN-INDIA INITIATIVES
Harish Kohli has also been a steadfast advocate for the “Make in India” initiative. His foresight in recognizing the importance of domestic manufacturing 20 years ago positioned Acer as a trailblazer in Indian-made technology, with the capability to manufacture over 4 million IT hardware products. Under his leadership, Acer has consistently ramped up local production, supporting job creation, skill development, and economic growth. This commitment has not only strengthened Acer’s foothold in India but also contributed to the country’s burgeoning tech manufacturing sector, making Acer a key player in India’s economic transformation.
EXTENDING THE GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINT
Mr. Kohli’s leadership has had a profound impact on India and the entire Pan Asia Pacific (PAP) region. As head of the PAP Commercial Task Team, he plays a significant role in planning and implementing Acer India’s commercial strategies. His steadfast commitment has reinforced the company’s presence in Bhutan and Bangladesh. Furthermore, Acer India’s dominance in the BFSI, government, defense, and education sectors can be attributed to the leader’s staunch focus on developing comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of these segments.
A LIFELONG LEARNER AND MENTOR
Mr. Kohli’s philosophy of lifelong learning and growth fuels his leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring new skills to keep pace with the ever-evolving IT domain. Furthermore, his enthusiasm for the PC industry stems from its constant innovation and challenges, which offer him endless opportunities to strive for excellence.
As a mentor, Mr. Kohli values commitment, stability, and loyalty. He has cultivated long-term relationships with channel partners and service providers, some of whom have been with Acer India since its inception in 1999. Mr. Kohli’s positive outlook also assisted Acer India in overcoming the challenges of COVID-19. Despite the significant shifts in demand and purchasing behavior, his foresight ensured that Acer India remained agile and responsive to market changes.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
Mr. Harish Kohli has always been passionate about sustainable development and has initiated various CSR activities, such as sponsorships for thousands of people in health, livelihood, and education with monetary support. Leveraging Acer’s extensive technological expertise, the company is committed to supporting children with visual impairments. To this end, Acer has developed Visionova, a specialized solution for CVI patients that integrates both software and hardware, using cutting-edge technology to break barriers and enhance lives. Harish has also led a noble CSR project to bring medical care to the doorsteps of tribal communities in remote areas through the “Heal-On-Wheels” project, where over 25,000 tribals benefit from a medical van staffed with a doctor, nurse, and all necessary medicines to treat ailments at their homes free of cost on a regular basis. Under his leadership, Acer is also providing critical care support through the “Care For Life” initiative, offering dialysis care for patients in need, free of cost.
REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Mr. Kohli’s leadership has earned Acer India numerous accolades, including India’s Most Trusted Computer Brand, the Brand Excellence Award, the Best Customer Service Initiative award, No.1 PC gaming brand in India, No.2 PC monitor brand in India, No.1 PC brand in the Government segment, No.1 PC desktop brand in the Education segment, the Golden Peacock award for Innovation, the Best Customer Service award, and the Retail Excellence Award. As Acer India ventures into new frontiers, Mr. Kohli’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to be a guiding force in shaping the future of the company, as well as the tech industry at large.
