(Yicai Global) Dec. 31 -- Lenovo Group, the world's biggest personal computer vendor, will temporarily replace the head of its mobile phone business by a recently added chief of Asia-Pacific emerging markets, which is another loss for this month after its founder-chairman retired. 

Vice President Jerry Tsao, known in China as Zhao Yunming, will take up the reins, the Economic Observer reported. The former Intel VP joined Lenovo in July after 20 years of service at the American tech firm with a focus on Asia-Pacific and Japan.

After working 19 years under tremendous pressure, VP Chang Cheng will leave his position due to family matters, according to the Beijing-based firm. However, Chang will continue to contribute to the group's handset business as a consultant.

Lenovo's domestic mobile phone business has faced increasing competition with giants such as Huawei Technologies, Oppo Mobile Telecommunications, and Vivo Communication Technology. In the first half of this year, its related market share was less than 1 percent, according to CINNO Research. 

Tsao said today that the company's preparations for a fifth-generation network flagship handset are in full swing. 

Lenovo has lost some important people this month. Chief Executive Officer Ning Min will succeed retiring chairman Liu Chuanzhi, state-backed The Paper reported in mid-December, citing insiders. President and Executive Director Zhu Linan was also said to leave his position.

Editor: Emmi Laine