Intel Products CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus exits after 30-plus years

Intel has announced a significant reshuffle of its top leadership team, including the departure of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, one of its longest-serving executives, after more than 30 years with the company.

The move, unveiled on Monday, forms part of chief executive Lip-Bu Tan’s strategy to strengthen Intel’s product portfolio, accelerate its foundry ambitions and instil what he called “a culture of engineering across the business”.

Holthaus, currently chief executive of Intel Products, held a series of senior roles during her career, including interim co-CEO, chief revenue officer and head of the Client Computing Group. She will stay on as a strategic adviser for the next few months to ensure continuity.

“Throughout her incredible career, Michelle has transformed major businesses, built high-performing teams and worked to delight our customers,” Tan said. “She has made a lasting impact on our company and inspired so many of us with her leadership. We are grateful for all Michelle has given Intel and wish her the best.”

Her departure marks the end of an era for Intel, which has been undergoing sweeping changes as it seeks to compete more effectively against rivals such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and AMD. Holthaus was widely seen as a stabilising figure during times of leadership transition and product delays.

New faces in critical roles

Alongside Holthaus’s departure, Intel announced a slate of new appointments.

Kevork Kechichian has joined as executive vice-president and general manager of the Data Center Group, one of Intel’s most strategically important units. Kechichian arrives from Arm, where he was executive vice-president of engineering and helped steer the company’s shift from intellectual property licensing to delivering full-stack solutions. His earlier career included senior roles at NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm.

“Kevork brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, technical depth, and operational rigour that will help us seize growth opportunities across the data centre market,” Tan said.

In the Client Computing Group, Jim Johnson has been confirmed as senior vice-president and general manager after serving in the role on an interim basis. A 40-year Intel veteran, Johnson has held posts across the Technology and Manufacturing Group and the Networking and Communications Group, as well as overseeing manufacturing plants worldwide.

“Jim’s steady leadership and trusted relationships across the computing industry are driving continued progress in our client business as we prepare to launch a new generation of products,” Tan added.

Intel is also creating a new Central Engineering Group, to be led by Srinivasan (Srini) Iyengar, who joined Intel earlier this year from Cadence Design Systems. The group will unify horizontal engineering functions and establish a new custom silicon business aimed at external customers.

“With Srini leading Central Engineering, we’re aligning innovation and execution more tightly in service to customers,” Tan said.

Strengthening foundry operations

In addition to the product and engineering leadership changes, Intel announced an expanded remit for Naga Chandrasekaran, executive vice-president and chief technology and operations officer of Intel Foundry. He will now also oversee Foundry Services, bringing together technology development, manufacturing and go-to-market functions in a more integrated structure.

Chandrasekaran joined Intel in 2024 from Micron, where he held senior positions in technology development. Under his leadership earlier this year, Intel consolidated its technology and manufacturing functions in an effort to streamline execution.

“Naga’s strong leadership, combined with a more integrated foundry operating model, will help us enhance the quality of execution, collaboration and customer service across our foundry business,” Tan said.

Kevin O’Buckley will continue as senior vice-president and general manager of Foundry Services, reporting to Chandrasekaran.

The reshuffle comes as Intel faces one of the most important transitions in its history. Once the undisputed leader in chip manufacturing, the company has lost ground to competitors in advanced process technologies and is racing to regain its position. Tan, who took over as chief executive this year, has emphasised the need to rebuild Intel’s engineering culture while expanding its foundry business to serve external customers.