Lenovo has appointed Andy Rhodes as the new General Manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&. I) region, effective immediately. Rhodes joins Lenovo from HP, bringing with him extensive experience in the technology sector, including leadership roles in commercial PCs, video conferencing, and accessories.
Rhodes’ appointment marks a significant leadership change for Lenovo’s UK&I operations. He succeeds Adrian Criddle, who after two years at the helm, is transitioning to pursue new opportunities. Criddle will remain with Lenovo for a period to facilitate a smooth handover to Rhodes.
Prior to joining Lenovo, Rhodes held the position of Division President & General Manager of HP’s Video Conferencing & Accessories Division. He also held global leadership responsibilities for HP’s Commercial PC business. Before his tenure at HP, Rhodes spent over a decade at Dell, holding executive positions across its data centre, workstation, and Industrial IoT businesses. This diverse background positions him well to lead Lenovo’s operations in the UK and Ireland.
“I’m genuinely excited to be joining Lenovo at a time of such rapid growth and opportunity, particularly as Hybrid AI reshapes our industry and how we serve customers,” Rhodes said in a company statement. “Lenovo has a clear strategy, strong momentum and incredible people; a combination that matters.”
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Lenovo, as the company navigates a rapidly evolving technology landscape. The company is focusing on leveraging Hybrid AI to enhance its offerings and better serve its customer base. Rhodes’ experience in commercial technology and accessories is expected to be instrumental in driving this strategy forward.
Matt Dobrodziej, Lenovo SVP & Europe President, expressed confidence in Rhodes’ ability to lead the UK & Ireland business. “He’s a highly experienced technology industry leader and a great fit for our UK & Ireland business,” Dobrodziej stated. “I’m confident he will further strengthen our business across the UK and Ireland while bringing a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm to the role.”
Dobrodziej also acknowledged Criddle’s contributions during his tenure as General Manager. “I’d also like to thank Adrian for the key role he’s played in deepening our relationships with customers and partners, and his commitment, professionalism and care for the team. We wish him well for the future.”
The UK and Ireland represent a key market for Lenovo, and the appointment of Rhodes signals the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the region. The transition comes as the broader technology sector experiences significant shifts, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and changing customer demands. Lenovo’s focus on Hybrid AI suggests a strategy to integrate AI capabilities across its product portfolio, offering enhanced solutions to businesses and consumers.
Rhodes’ previous roles at both HP and Dell demonstrate a consistent track record of leadership in key areas of the technology industry. His experience in managing large-scale operations and driving growth in competitive markets will be valuable assets as he takes on his new role at Lenovo. The handover period with Criddle is designed to ensure continuity and minimize disruption to Lenovo’s operations in the UK and Ireland.
The broader technology market in the UK and Ireland is currently characterized by a mix of challenges and opportunities. Economic uncertainty and geopolitical factors continue to influence business investment, while demand for digital solutions remains strong. Lenovo’s ability to adapt to these changing conditions and deliver innovative products and services will be crucial to its success in the region.
The appointment of Rhodes is part of a broader trend of leadership changes within the technology industry, as companies seek to position themselves for future growth and innovation. The focus on AI and Hybrid AI solutions is becoming increasingly prevalent, as companies recognize the potential of these technologies to transform their businesses and create new value for customers.
