On March 12, 2025, Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) has announced the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 18, 2025.  An industry veteran with decades of semiconductor leadership, Tan steps into the role after previously serving on Intel's board until August 2024.  He succeeds Interim Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus, who will remain in their roles as Executive Vice President and CFO and CEO of Intel Products, respectively.

A Respected Leader with Proven Industry Experience

Frank D. Yeary, Intel's interim executive chair during the CEO search, praised Tan's appointment:

"Lip-Bu is an exceptional leader whose deep technology expertise, strong relationships across the product and foundry ecosystems, and track record of creating shareholder value are exactly what Intel needs to accelerate its transformation."

Tan's career spans more than 20 years in semiconductors and software.  He led Cadence Design Systems as CEO from 2009 to 2021, overseeing the company's reinvention and driving a customer-centric culture.  During his tenure, Cadence's revenue more than doubled, operating margins expanded, and stock value skyrocketed over 3,200%.  He later served as executive chairman from 2021 to 2023.

In addition to his Cadence legacy, Tan is founding managing partner of Walden Catalyst Ventures and chairman of Walden International, contributing to the tech industry as a seasoned investor.  He also serves on the boards of Credo Technology Group and Schneider Electric.

A Vision for Reinventing Intel

Upon his appointment, Tan expressed both excitement and determination:

"I am honored to join Intel as CEO.  This is a company I deeply admire — an iconic brand with unmatched potential.  I see tremendous opportunities to reshape our business to better serve customers and create long-term value for shareholders."

Tan acknowledged Intel's strengths, including its powerful, differentiated computing platform, large customer base, and robust manufacturing footprint.  He committed to rebuilding Intel's process technology roadmap and strengthening Intel's leadership position.

In a company-wide letter to employees, Tan emphasized his "engineering-first" approach:

"Intel will become an engineering-driven company.  We will focus on building the best products, listening to our customers, and delivering on our promises to rebuild trust.  Together, we have the opportunity to do something extraordinary — to restore Intel's status as a world-class product leader, establish ourselves as a top-tier foundry, and delight our customers like never before."

Tan outlined a clear philosophy:

● Stay humble

● Work hard

● Obsess over customers

"Good things happen when you live by these principles.  They've guided me throughout my career, and they will guide Intel's future under my leadership."

Acknowledging the Past, Focused on the Future

Frank Yeary extended gratitude to Zinsner and Johnston Holthaus for their leadership during Intel's transition:

"Their discipline and focus provided the stability we needed as we worked to improve execution, rebuild product leadership, and advance our foundry strategy.  Lip-Bu is the right leader to build on that momentum."

Tan's appointment marks a pivotal moment for Intel as it continues its turnaround strategy, aiming to reclaim market leadership and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities.