Intel will announce the release of the new product on September 9, local time in the United States.AnnounceMichelle Johnston Holthaus, who has been with the company for more than 30 years and most recently served as Chief Executive of Products, will leave her position but will serve in a short-term strategic advisory role.
New central engineering department established to focus on customized chips
Along with the management changes, Intel also announced the establishment of a new Central Engineering division, which will spearhead its customized silicon chip business for external customers. This division, led by Srinivasan "Srini" Iyengar, who joined from Cadence Design Systems in July of this year, represents Intel's more aggressive entry into chip design and customization services, forming a more comprehensive supply chain with its foundry business.
Strengthening data center and client services
In addition to Michelle Johnston Holthaus's impending departure, Intel also announced a series of new appointments, including Kevork Kechichian (hired from Arm) to take over as head of the Data Center Group, Jim Johnson to become senior vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group, and Naga Chandrasekaran (currently Chief Technology and Operating Officer of Intel Foundry) to expand his responsibilities.
Intel said the changes are intended to more closely integrate innovation and execution and accelerate the company's transition to a new structure.
Background and Challenges
This personnel adjustment comes at a critical time for Intel, especially since the US government recently announced that it will convert its subsidies to Intel intoActual shareholding, and designed conditions to prevent Intel's holding in the chip foundry business from falling below 50%. This move highlights Intel's central role in the US semiconductor strategy and also requires Intel to demonstrate greater execution and market performance.
At the same time, Intel also recruited several sales and engineering executives in July this year, including Greg Ernst as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), indicating that the company is strengthening its management team in all aspects.
Opinion: Intel's road to reinvention
For Intel, the departure of Michelle Johnston Holthaus signals a gradual handover of leadership. CEO Lip-Mo Chen is reorganizing the team with the goal of creating a "New Intel" and strengthening both its product and foundry businesses. With the growing demand for AI, data centers, and customized chips, Intel must accelerate its adjustments to maintain its competitive advantage against TSMC, Samsung, and emerging chip design companies.
In the next few years, whether Intel can truly implement product innovation, stabilize its foundry business, and establish a presence in the new AI-driven market will be the key to testing this wave of senior management restructuring.
