Intel Corporation has initiated a significant leadership transformation, highlighted by the departure of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, the company’s Chief Executive of Products, after over three decades of service. Holthaus, who briefly served as interim co-CEO following Pat Gelsinger’s exit in late 2024, will continue with Intel as a strategic adviser during the transition period.
These leadership changes are part of CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s broader strategy to revitalize Intel amidst intensifying competition from companies like AMD, Nvidia, and Arm. Tan, who took the helm in March 2025, has been restructuring the company to streamline operations and enhance agility. This includes flattening the organizational hierarchy, with key divisions now reporting directly to him, and implementing job cuts to reduce bureaucracy.
Key Executive Appointments
In conjunction with Holthaus’s departure, Intel has announced several pivotal appointments:
- Kevork Kechichian joins as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center Group. A seasoned industry veteran, Kechichian previously held senior roles at Arm, NXP Semiconductors, and Qualcomm.
- Srinivasan Iyengar has been appointed to lead a newly established central engineering group. This unit will focus on developing a custom silicon business aimed at external customers, signaling Intel’s commitment to expanding its presence in the AI and data center market.
- Naga Chandrasekaran will broaden his responsibilities to include Foundry Services, in addition to his current role overseeing Intel Foundry. This consolidation aims to create a more integrated structure spanning technology development, manufacturing, and go-to-market strategies.
- Jim Johnson has been appointed as General Manager of the Client Computing Group, focusing on Intel’s core PC business.
These executive changes reflect Intel’s strategic pivot towards a more agile and customer-focused organization. By consolidating leadership and emphasizing direct reporting lines to the CEO, Intel aims to accelerate decision-making processes and better respond to market demands. The establishment of a custom silicon division underlines the company’s intent to capitalize on the growing demand for specialized chips in AI and data center applications.
However, these internal shifts occur amid external pressures. In August 2025, the U.S. government acquired a 9.9% equity stake in Intel as part of CHIPS Act funding, a move that has drawn scrutiny and calls for increased oversight. Additionally, President Donald Trump has publicly criticized CEO Tan, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and urging his resignation.
As Intel navigates these internal and external challenges, the company’s ability to execute its strategic vision will be closely watched by investors, industry analysts, and policymakers alike.
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