For Chen Wei's departure, Intel China said it was a personal reason. In my opinion, his departure is "hidden" and inevitable by accident. I make this judgment mainly based on three aspects: First, Chen Wei has the title of President of China, but not the real position of President of China-he worked in Intel China for 12 years but did not become the actual "spokesperson" of Intel China, while Ian Yang, the general manager in charge of sales and marketing in China, became the actual "spokesperson" of Intel China, with higher popularity and media exposure. Chen Weiying's popularity and influence in the IT industry in China is far less than that of other multinational IT companies in China, such as Chen Yongzheng and Sun Zhenyao.
Second, although Intel has made a lot of efforts in government public affairs since last year, it is still difficult to reflect its digital performance. Compared with the marketing business, the government's public relations affairs are not effective in the short term. Therefore, compared with Ian Yang, who is in charge of sales business, Chen Wei's "waist pole" in the face of "performance talk" is not hard enough.
Third, I think the most important point is that Intel's China strategy has changed. If Chen Wei stays at Intel, he will have to face new requirements and challenges. In 2007, Intel China officially left the Asia-Pacific region and was upgraded to China, reporting directly to the US headquarters, which means that Intel attaches importance to the China market. At the same time, Intel also realized the importance of cooperation with the government of China, significantly increased cooperation and investment with the government of China, and the senior officials of Intel headquarters visited China more frequently for public relations. However, compared with old ally Microsoft and old rival AMD, Intel still needs to make a breakthrough in government public relations image.
I remember that a few years ago, Microsoft was accused of being "monopoly" and "strong" in the China market. A Microsoft executive said to me helplessly: "In fact, we are a company with Intel. Judging from market share, we are in a monopoly position. Why is everyone paying attention to Microsoft? " Indeed, at that time, people stared at Microsoft and ignored the problem of Intel's "monopoly", which gave the "low-key" Intel "space" to make money. Now, Microsoft, which once gave people the impression of "monopoly" and "strength", has become "soft": from supporting the informationization of local government departments, investing real money in cooperation with many local software companies, investing in technology in the China market, to giving up the global unified standard of software product prices and making changes specifically for China, all of which make people feel Microsoft's "good intentions" and sincerity, and Microsoft has gradually gained recognition from the government and partners.
After Microsoft became "soft", Intel's "problems" became prominent. In fact, it is not only Microsoft's "softening" that "stimulates" people's attention to Intel, but also the open "confrontation" between Intel WAPI and China government and the positive attitude of competitor AMD in China market.
On June 24th, 2004, 65438+1October 24th, news about AMD's transfer of x86 microprocessor core technology to China appeared in the headlines of mainstream websites such as Sina, which lasted for three days. Leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information Industry and relevant government officials attended the signing ceremony of technology transfer. This technology transfer is regarded as a gift from AMD to China who wants to develop its own chip technology. However, at this time, Intel's tough attitude towards WAPI, a wireless standard promoted by China, caused dissatisfaction with Intel from the China government and relevant industry associations. Three industry associations have jointly written a letter, suggesting that the hardware configuration regulations that are obviously beneficial to Intel should be cancelled in government procurement.
What finally forced Intel to make a "180-degree turn" to China was AMD's welcome and achievements in China. From the independence of China in early 2007 to the announcement of Intel's investment in Dalian in March 2007, Intel headquarters executives frequently visited China for public relations and investment in software and education. We can see that Intel has realized the importance of good relations with the government and partners.
However, to establish a good relationship with the government and its partners is inseparable from public relations experts who are good at "building relationships". The breakthrough progress made by Microsoft and AMD in the China market has proved this point. Chen Yongzheng, former president of Microsoft Greater China, and Guo Kezun, former president of AMD Greater China, are both "public relations experts" who make Microsoft and AMD "wear Tang suit". During President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States in April 2006, Microsoft signed huge orders with Lenovo and Founder. I attended the press conference held at Microsoft headquarters at that time, and Microsoft CEO Ballmer said at the press conference, "Thanks to Chen Yongzheng and his team for their efforts"; AMD headquarters executives highly recognized Guo Kezun, saying more than once: "Karan (Guo Kezun) allows AMD to connect with the government market and operate more locally."
Who can shoulder the heavy responsibility of Intel's "public relations master"? After Chen Weiding left, how did Intel take the road of government public relations? All along, Intel has been pursuing a "two-in-one" management strategy, that is, there are two executives in one position. Some analysts believe that Ian Yang will take charge of Intel China in the future after Chen Wei resigns. Unlike Chen Wei, who speaks English and has a "westernized" lifestyle, Ian Yang, who was born and raised in China and has strong communication skills, is undoubtedly more suitable as the image spokesperson of Intel China than Chen Wei.
However, it is a test and challenge for Ian Yang, an enterprising and long-term manager, how Intel can fundamentally change some people's "monopoly" and strong image and become more China and friendly. Whether the doer Ian Yang can become a "public relations expert" and bring a breakthrough to the localization of Intel China remains to be proved.