Intel is entering a new phase under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took charge in March 2025.
The company has announced a series of leadership changes aimed at sharpening its focus and accelerating execution.
Michelle Johnston Holthaus will depart after more than 30 years at Intel. She most recently served as chief executive officer of Intel products.
And although she is leaving her executive post, she will remain as a strategic adviser.
A Central Engineering Group
Intel also revealed the creation of a central engineering unit. This group will design and build custom silicon systems for external clients.
The unit will be led by Srinivasan “Srini” Iyengar, who joined Intel from Cadence Design Systems in July.
Tan emphasized that the new group will bring innovation and execution closer together.
“With Srini leading Central Engineering, we’re aligning innovation and execution more tightly in service to customers,” he said in a company release.
“We are laser-focused on delivering world-class products and empowering our engineering teams to move faster and execute with excellence.”
Leadership Appointments
Other appointments were also announced. Kevork Kechichian, formerly of ARM, will lead Intel’s data center group.
Jim Johnson has been named senior vice president and general manager of the client computing group.
In addition, Naga Chandrasekaran, the chief technology and operations officer of Intel Foundry, will take on broader responsibilities.
These appointments reflect Intel’s effort to bring in external expertise while promoting internal leaders.
Each appointment is linked to critical business areas: data centers, client computing, and foundry operations.
The U.S. Government
These leadership changes come shortly after major news from Washington. The U.S. government confirmed it would convert existing grants into a 10% equity stake in Intel.
Under the deal, Intel must maintain at least 50% ownership of its foundry unit or face penalties.
This highlights Intel’s importance to the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. It also increases pressure on the company to prove it can deliver on its ambitious goals.
Also read: U.S. Government Considers Stake In Intel
Leadership Changes
This year has brought several leadership updates at Intel. In July, the company added four senior hires in sales and engineering, including Greg Ernst as chief revenue officer.
These appointments, combined with the most recent reshuffle, show that Tan is building a new leadership team with urgency.
