A memorial service for the late Rod Lappin will be held on Friday 1 March in Sydney, providing the industry with an opportunity to honour his legacy.
The service - ‘To Celebrate the Life of Rod Lappin’ - will take place at St Stephen's Uniting Church at 197 Macquarie Street in Sydney at 9:30am.
All are welcome to the service, which will be followed by a light lunch and drinks at The Ivy Sunroom on 330 George Street in Sydney.
The charismatic leader, who was senior vice president and chief customer officer at Lenovo’s Data Center Group, passed away suddenly last week.
“From the moment Rod Lappin joined the Lenovo family 12 years ago it was clear he was a super star and shined in every crowd,” said Yuanqing Yang, chairman and CEO of Lenovo. “He was young, passionate and filled with an abundance of positivity I had rarely seen.
“No matter how challenging the circumstances Rod was the one to level and relax the situation with a joke, a smile or a laugh.”
Yang said Lappin grew into an outstanding leader in “every sense”, leaving his mark on the company through boosting the vendor’s PC business in Japan to “dramatic growth”, alongside “transforming” the Data Centre Group.
“I remember fondly the time nine years ago when Rod took me to an empty building in Tokyo -- not a single chair or desk,” Yang added. “Just then Rod passionately described how this blank space would become the new home for Lenovo in Japan.
“He was filled with pride, passion and smiles for what was to come. His words turned into vivid images at the time, and unforgettable memories for me since.
“There is no debate – everyone that worked with Rod loved him, which makes his passing on a day where the world celebrates love all the more tragic. I am proud and privileged to have had the opportunity to work with and to call him a friend.
“While his loss will be felt deeply, his talent, passion and bright smile will be remembered by each of us and encourage us to live each day to our fullest and leave no regrets behind – just like he did. Rest in peace, Rod.”
