Intel’s Major Leadership Reshuffle: What Does It Mean for the Future?

On 8 September 2025, Intel announced that Michelle Johnston Holthaus—who has served the company for more than 30 years and most recently was Chief Executive of Products—will step down, though she will remain for a short period as a strategic advisor. Alongside this leadership change, the company revealed the creation of a new Central Engineering division, to be led by Srinivasan “Srini” Iyengar, signalling a more active role in chip design and customization to complement its foundry operations.

In addition, Kevork Kechichian, recruited from Arm, will lead the Data Center Group; Jim Johnson will become Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Client Computing Group; and Naga Chandrasekaran will have expanded responsibilities as Chief Technology and Operating Officer of Intel Foundry. According to Intel, these changes are intended to forge a closer alignment between innovation and execution while accelerating the company’s transition toward a new organisational architecture.

This reshuffle comes as the US government moves to convert subsidies into an equity stake in Intel, under provisions ensuring Intel maintains at least a 50% share in its foundry business. CEO Pat Gelsinger is steering the company toward a “New Intel” vision aimed at boosting product and foundry services amid growing demand for AI and data-centre silicon.