Lip-Bu Tan, the newly appointed CEO of Intel, has initiated a substantial reorganization aimed at enhancing decision-making processes within the company. This restructuring includes the promotion of Sachin Katti, who will now serve as the Chief Technology Officer and lead the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. The updated management hierarchy is designed to streamline communication, enabling technical leaders from key groups to have direct access to the CEO.
Leadership Changes at Intel
As part of his expanded role, Sachin Katti will also oversee Intel’s AI strategy and product development while heading Intel Labs. Previously, Katti led Intel’s networking and edge computing division. The enhancement of his position signifies an increased emphasis on AI within the company, a sector where Intel has struggled to secure a competitive edge historically. The appointment of a dedicated AI leader could allow for better resource allocation and focused attention on this growing field.
Intel’s previous leadership structure lacked a CTO from 2013 to 2017, during which the role had significant responsibilities related to technology strategy. Past CTOs, including Pat Gelsinger and Justin Rattner, focused primarily on semiconductor technologies. Greg Lavender, who held the role from 2021 until now, was responsible for defining Intel’s software strategies across various domains, including AI and accelerated computing, while also leading Intel Labs.
Direct Communication Lines Established
In this latest restructuring, Lip-Bu Tan is actively engaging with key technical leaders to bolster development in critical technology areas. The following executives now have direct lines of communication with Tan:
- Rob Bruckner: Chief Technology Officer of the Client Platform Architecture and Definition (CPAD) organization, a vital part of Intel’s Client Computing Group, which generates substantial revenue.
- Mike Hurley: General Manager of the Client Silicon Engineering Group, responsible for overseeing client product execution, ensuring successful market delivery through rigorous engineering processes.
- Lisa Pearce: General Manager of GPU and NPU hardware and software IP, crucial for enhancing Intel’s offerings in CPUs and integrated graphics.
Previously, these leaders reported to Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who continues in her role overseeing Intel Products. Tan expressed his desire to become more directly involved with engineering and product teams, indicating plans to evolve Holthaus’s role further in the future.
Strategic Importance of AI and Global Affairs
The CEO’s restructuring extends to government affairs as well, as the head of this department will now report directly to Tan. This change highlights the strategic significance of global regulatory relationships, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and tariffs affecting operations in China.
Overall, Lip-Bu Tan’s leadership overhaul consolidates control over Intel’s critical technological advancements, product development, and manufacturing strategies, with financial oversight remaining under CFO Dave Zinsner. The changes reflect a strategic move to enhance both innovation and responsiveness within Intel’s operations.