Intel Announces Senior Leadership Changes Amid Strategic Restructuring
Intel has announced significant shifts within its senior leadership as part of a broader strategic realignment under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who assumed the role in March 2025.
Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who most recently served as Intel’s chief executive of products after more than 30 years with the company, will depart from her operational role but remain a strategic adviser. This marks a notable transition for Intel as it recalibrates its product leadership.
New Central Engineering Group to Drive Custom Silicon Business
Intel is establishing a new central engineering group tasked with developing custom silicon solutions for external clients. Srinivasan “Srini” Iyengar, who joined Intel from Cadence Design Systems in July, will lead this initiative. The move reflects Intel’s intensified focus on expanding its custom chip offerings beyond internal needs.
Additional Leadership Appointments
Kevork Kechichian, formerly with ARM, has been appointed head of Intel’s data center group, signaling a push to strengthen this critical segment. Meanwhile, Jim Johnson steps in as senior vice president and general manager of the client computing group. Additionally, Naga Chandrasekaran, chief technology and operations officer of Intel Foundry, will take on an expanded role overseeing the unit responsible for fabricating custom chips for external customers.
CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized the strategic intent behind these changes, stating, “With Srini leading Central Engineering, we’re aligning innovation and execution more tightly in service to customers. We are laser-focused on delivering world-class products and empowering our engineering teams to move faster and execute with excellence. Kevork, Jim, and Srini are exceptional leaders whose deep technical acumen and industry relationships will be instrumental as we continue building a new Intel.”
Context Amid Broader Corporate Developments
This leadership reshuffle comes shortly after the U.S. government announced plans to convert existing grants into a 10% equity stake in Intel. The deal includes provisions penalizing Intel if its ownership in the foundry unit falls below 50%, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
These changes are part of a series of leadership updates at Intel throughout 2025, including the appointment of Greg Ernst as chief revenue officer in July, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen sales and engineering functions.
Intel declined to comment further on these developments.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Intel’s leadership restructuring signals a strategic pivot aimed at accelerating innovation in custom silicon and data center operations, areas critical for future growth and competitiveness. The appointment of experienced executives from industry leaders like Cadence and ARM enhances Intel’s technical capabilities and market positioning.
However, the transition phase carries execution risks, particularly in integrating new teams and delivering on ambitious product roadmaps amid intense industry competition.
Investors should monitor Intel’s progress in expanding its custom silicon business and the impact of government equity involvement on operational flexibility.
Impact: positive
