Intel Corporation has officially appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 18, 2025. His appointment comes after a turbulent period for Intel, which faced market share losses, delays in semiconductor advancements, and increasing competition from companies like NVIDIA and AMD.
Intel did not reveal the salary of Lip-Bu Tan. ALSO READ: Letter of Lip-Bu Tan to Intel employees
Lip-Bu Tan brings over two decades of experience in the semiconductor and software industries. He previously served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems from 2009 to 2021, where he led a successful transformation that doubled the company’s revenue and expanded operating margins.
Lip-Bu Tan succeeds Interim Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who stepped into leadership roles following the termination of Pat Gelsinger in December 2024. Pat Gelsinger was removed after Intel’s financial struggles raised concerns about his strategic direction.
Following Lip-Bu Tan’s appointment, David Zinsner will remain Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, while Michelle Holthaus will continue as CEO of Intel Products. Meanwhile, Frank D. Yeary, who served as Interim Executive Chair during the CEO search, will resume his previous role as Independent Chair of the Board.
Intel’s board and industry experts view Lip-Bu Tan as a strong choice to revitalize Intel’s innovation and competitive edge. Frank Yeary, Intel’s board chair, praised Tan’s deep industry relationships, customer-focused leadership, and history of delivering shareholder value.
Lip-Bu Tan’s Background and Experience
Lip-Bu Tan is a highly respected technology executive and investor with over two decades of experience in the semiconductor and software industries. His strong background in chip design, AI, and venture capital makes him well-suited to lead Intel during this challenging period.
Some key highlights of his career:
CEO of Cadence Design Systems (2009–2021): Tan led a major transformation at Cadence, a leading electronic design automation (EDA) company. Under his leadership, the company more than doubled its revenue, significantly expanded operating margins, and achieved a stock price growth of 3,200 percent. His focus on customer-centric innovation played a crucial role in this success.
Executive Chairman of Cadence (2021–2023): After stepping down as CEO, he continued to serve as Executive Chairman until 2023.
Founder & Managing Partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures: Tan founded Walden Catalyst Ventures, a venture capital firm that has invested in semiconductor, AI, and cloud computing startups.
Chairman of Walden International: He also founded Walden International, an early-stage venture capital firm with a strong track record of investing in semiconductor and software companies.
Public Company Board Experience: He serves on the boards of Credo Technology Group and Schneider Electric, demonstrating his extensive leadership experience.
Educational Background & Recognitions
Bachelor of Science in Physics – Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MBA – University of San Francisco
Robert N. Noyce Award (2022): Intel’s new CEO received the highest honor from the Semiconductor Industry Association, recognizing his contributions to the semiconductor industry.
What This Means for Intel
Lip-Bu Tan’s appointment signals a shift in Intel’s strategy, focusing on reviving the chipset company’s technological leadership and rebuilding relationships with customers and partners. Given his success at Cadence and expertise in semiconductors, investors and industry analysts are optimistic about his ability to steer Intel back to growth and innovation.
With Lip-Bu Tan at the helm, Intel aims to reposition itself as a leader in AI chips, foundry services, and next-generation computing technologies. His track record suggests that he could play a key role in Intel’s turnaround efforts and long-term success.
Intel Corporation has faced significant challenges in recent years, prompting leadership changes aimed at revitalizing the company’s position in the semiconductor industry.
Intel’s Recent Struggles
Intel has experienced a decline in market share, particularly in its core business segments, due to competition from companies like Nvidia. Intel reported substantial financial losses, with net losses amounting to $18.8 billion in 2024. This downturn has been attributed to delays in advancing semiconductor technology and missing opportunities in emerging markets such as artificial intelligence (AI), MarketWatch.com news report said.
Leadership Transition
In December 2024, Intel’s board of directors ousted CEO Pat Gelsinger after losing confidence in his strategic direction for the company. Subsequently, David Zinsner, the Chief Financial Officer, and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, head of the product business unit, were appointed as interim co-CEOs, The Verge news report said.
Lip-Bu Tan’s deep relationships across the product and foundry ecosystems are expected to be instrumental in addressing Intel’s current challenges. His appointment has been well-received by investors, with Intel’s stock rising by 13 percent following the announcement, The Wall Street Journal news report said.
Lip-Bu Tan’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Intel as it seeks to regain its footing in the competitive semiconductor landscape. His track record of customer-centric innovation and operational excellence positions him to steer Intel toward renewed growth and technological leadership.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
