55. Yang Yuanqing

Yang Yuanqing (born 12 November 1964) is a Chinese business executive and philanthropist who is Lenovo’s current chairman and CEO.

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Yang Yuanqing was born on 12 November 1964 to parents who were educated as surgeons. He spent his childhood in Hefei in Anhui province. He grew up poor, as his parents were paid the same salaries as manual labourers. Yang’s father, Yang Furong, was a disciplined man with strict standards. Yang said of his father, “If he set a target, no matter what happened, he wanted to reach it.”

While his parents wanted him to pursue a career in medicine, and he had a budding interest in literature, Yang decided to study computer science on the advice of a family friend who was a university professor. Yang earned an undergraduate degree in computer science from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1986 and a master’s degree from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 1988.

Today, Mr Yang is spearheading the company’s continued drive to diversify its business and build a strong foundation for its transformation into a PC Plus company with outstanding performance in PCs and mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. He has led the new wave of innovation in multimode form factors, including the convertible PC/Tablet. Lenovo currently ranks #1 in PCs, #2 in PCs + Tablets and #3 in “Smart Connected Devices” (PC+Tablet+Smartphone). Lenovo’s combined shipments of smartphones and tablets now surpass those of PC shipments. The company has also spearheaded the development of the mobile app marketplace and ecosystem that supports China’s nearly 1 billion mobile internet users.

Mr Yang Yuanqing has been named “Business Leader of the Year” by Fortune China (2007), “Businessman of the Year” by Forbes Asia (2008), “Best CEO in China” by Finance Asia (2011), CCTV “Annual Economic Figure” (2004 and 2012) and one of the “World’s 30 best CEOs” by Barron’s magazine (2013). He is also a member of the New York Stock Exchange’s International Advisory Committee, the Brookings Institution International Advisory Council, The Wall Street Journal CEO Council, and the National Youth Association Committee. He is the director of the China Entrepreneurs’ Association and a guest professor at his old school, the University of Science and Technology of China.

Formula 1 and Lenovo announced two years ago that Lenovo would be an Official partners for the 2022 season and beyond. The multi-year deal will see Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology used across Formula 1’s operations as it continues to bring the highest level of racing and entertainment to its worldwide fanbase. As global leaders in their respective fields, Formula 1 and Lenovo want to push the boundaries of what’s possible when combining sports with advanced technology.

Over the next few years, the partnership will involve Lenovo’s technology being used across the Formula 1 organization at its base and races. Lenovo’s hardware devices, High-Performance Computing, and server solutions will be increasingly integrated throughout the organization’s operations. From running robust on-premises data collection solutions to producing higher quality content and supporting broadcast applications, the Formula 1 and Lenovo collaboration will result in a better experience for fans.

Yang Yuanqing, Chairman & CEO of Lenovo, commented on the partnership:

We proudly announce our new global partnership with Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, to engage half a billion fans worldwide with exciting, innovative experiences. This partnership is based on our shared passion for innovation, performance, and the winning spirit. Together Lenovo and Formula 1 will push the limits of technology to help shape a faster, more innovative, and more sustainable future.