Shifting gears in its leadership playbook, Intel appoints new executives, expands foundry roles, and bids farewell to a veteran, all to sharpen innovation and execution.
Intel Corporation has unveiled a series of senior leadership changes to reinforce its product roadmap, advance its foundry operations, and foster stronger engineering collaboration across the company.
According to a recent statement released by the company, the appointments reflect CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s focus on execution and innovation as Intel works to sharpen its competitive edge.
Kevork Kechichian joins to lead Data Centre Group
Kevork Kechichian has been named executive vice president and general manager of Intel’s Data Centre Group (DCG). He will oversee Intel’s data centre operations across cloud and enterprise markets, including the flagship Xeon processor line.
Kechichian brings more than 30 years of semiconductor experience. He most recently served as executive vice president of engineering at Arm, where he helped transform the company from IP licensing to delivering end-to-end solutions. He has also held senior engineering positions at NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm.
“Kevork brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, technical depth, and operational rigour,” said Tan.
Jim Johnson confirmed to head Client Computing Group
Jim Johnson has been appointed senior vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group (CCG) after successfully leading it on an interim basis. Johnson, a 40-year Intel veteran, has served in leadership roles across technology, networking, and manufacturing operations. Tan highlighted Johnson’s industry relationships and steady leadership as key assets as Intel readies new product launches in the PC and edge markets.
Srini Iyengar to lead new Central Engineering Group
Intel is also creating a Central Engineering Group under the leadership of Srinivasan (Srini) Iyengar, senior vice president and Fellow. Iyengar, who joined Intel in June from Cadence Design Systems, will unify cross-company engineering efforts and develop a new custom silicon business targeting a wide range of external customers. Tan said the new unit would “align innovation and execution more tightly in service to customers.”
Foundry leadership expanded with Naga Chandrasekaran as CTO-COO
In a further move, Naga Chandrasekaran will expand his role as executive vice president and chief technology and operations officer of Intel Foundry to include Foundry Services. Intel said the integration of development, manufacturing and services will enhance execution and customer support. Kevin O’Buckley will continue to lead Foundry Services, reporting to Chandrasekaran.
Michelle Johnston Holthaus to depart
Meanwhile, Intel confirmed the departure of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, chief executive of Intel Products, after more than three decades at the company. Holthaus held multiple senior roles, including interim co-CEO, general manager of CCG, and chief revenue officer. She will remain as an advisor during the transition period.
Tan praised her for “transforming businesses, building high-performing teams, and inspiring colleagues throughout her career.”
