Intel Corporation has just announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Lip-Bu Tan to the position of CEO. He will officially take over on March 18, 2025 from David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, the interim co-CEOs following Pat Gelsinger’s ‘departure’. Lip-Bu Tan is no stranger to the company, as he was a member of Intel’s board of directors until August 2024. He was on the list of potential candidates for the position from the outset because of his experience of more than 20 years in the semiconductor industry.
Commenting on his appointment, Lip-Bu Tan said he was honoured to join Intel as CEO. I have deep respect and admiration for this iconic company, and I see significant opportunities to rethink our business to better serve our customers and create value for our shareholders.” “ Intel has a powerful and differentiated computing platform, a large installed base of customers and a strong industry footprint that grows stronger every day as we rethink our technology roadmap.
Lip-Bu Tan: a “hybrid” profile that satisfies everyone
Lip-Bu Tan holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. In 2022, he received the Robert N. Noyce Award, the Semiconductor Industry Association’s highest honour. He has extensive knowledge of the semiconductor ecosystem and a thick address book. It’s a different profile from that of Pat Gelsinger, but not a total departure, since his technological legitimacy is indisputable. But his operational involvement with Walden Catalyst Ventures also gives him strong credibility with investors and other funds.
This announcement has pleased the stock market, with Intel shares jumping by nearly 10% after the appointment was made official. However, it is too early to say what strategy the new boss will adopt. One thing is certain: he is well versed in the art of communication and the art of speaking in tongues. When asked about the future direction he intends to give Intel, his answer is a model of its kind:
In areas where we have the wind in our sails, we need to double our efforts and strengthen our advantage […] In areas where we are lagging behind the competition, we need to take calculated risks to stand out and make a quantum leap. And in areas where our progress has been slower than expected, we need to find ways to pick up the pace.
If we were to tease, it might look like an answer generated by Chatgpt…
