Intel Corporation has announced the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2025. Tan, a seasoned semiconductor industry leader with a strong track record in technology innovation and business transformation, will rejoin Intel’s board of directors after previously stepping down in August 2024.
Tan succeeds interim co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus, who stepped into leadership following Pat Gelsinger’s departure last year. Zinsner will remain Executive VP and CFO, while Holthaus will continue as CEO of Intel Products.
A Vision for the Future: Engineering Excellence & Customer-Centric Innovation
Tan’s appointment comes at a critical time for Intel, as the company looks to revamp its product strategy, regain market leadership, and strengthen its foundry business. In his first statement as CEO, Tan emphasized a renewed focus on engineering, delivering top-tier products, and building customer trust through execution and accountability.
“Under my leadership, Intel will be an engineering-focused company. We will push ourselves to develop the best products, listen intently to our customers, and hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make so that we build trust.” – Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel
Industry Veteran with a Proven Track Record
Tan brings over 20 years of experience in semiconductors and software, with deep connections across the technology ecosystem. Most notably, he served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems (2009–2021), where he led the company through a significant transformation, more than doubling revenue and increasing stock value by 3,200%.
He is also the founding managing partner of Walden Catalyst Ventures and chairman of Walden International, with experience investing in semiconductor, AI, and cloud computing firms. His extensive public company board experience includes seats on Credo Technology Group and Schneider Electric.
Intel’s Strategic Shift Under Tan’s Leadership
Intel has faced intense competition from AMD, NVIDIA, and other semiconductor players, with its process technology roadmap facing setbacks in recent years. However, the company is now doubling down on advanced manufacturing, AI-driven innovation, and its Intel Foundry Services (IFS) business to reclaim its position in the industry.
Tan outlined key priorities in his internal memo to employees:
- Strengthening Intel’s product portfolio by accelerating innovation.
- Leveraging AI and high-performance computing to drive growth.
- Expanding Intel Foundry Services (IFS) to compete with TSMC and Samsung.
- Building a high-performance company culture that emphasizes collaboration and accountability.
A Critical Moment for Intel
Tan joins at a time when Intel is executing an ambitious turnaround plan to recover lost market share and compete in AI and semiconductor manufacturing. With Intel 18A process technology progressing ahead of schedule and the company betting big on AI-powered chips, Tan’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating Intel through this transformation.
Looking Ahead
With Tan at the helm, Intel is poised for a new chapter, one that will determine its long-term competitiveness in the semiconductor industry. As the company remakes itself, all eyes will be on how Intel delivers on its product roadmap, foundry expansion, and execution strategy under his leadership.
Intel employees and investors can expect more insights during Tan’s first All-Company Meeting, scheduled for today at 4 p.m. PT.
