Intel Reshuffles Top Leadership as Products Chief Holthaus Departs
Intel (INTC.O) announced a major executive shake-up on Monday, including the departure of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, the company’s products chief, as CEO Lip-Bu Tan moves to streamline operations and push a turnaround strategy.
Holthaus, a 30-year Intel veteran, previously held several senior leadership positions, including serving as interim co-CEO following the ouster of Pat Gelsinger in 2024. She will step down but remain as a strategic adviser in the coming months.
The restructuring includes:
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Kevork Kechichian joining as EVP and head of the Data Center Group. Kechichian is a seasoned industry leader who previously held senior roles at Arm, NXP Semiconductors, and Qualcomm.
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A new Central Engineering Group, to be led by Srinivasan Iyengar, tasked with building a custom silicon business for external clients.
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Naga Chandrasekaran, Intel EVP and CTO, expanding his remit to oversee Foundry Services.
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Jim Johnson appointed as GM of Intel’s Client Computing Group.
The leadership reshuffle comes as Intel grapples with a difficult business environment and political pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced plans for the government to take a 10% stake in Intel, while also calling for CEO Tan’s resignation over alleged conflicts of interest.
Tan’s strategy aims to flatten Intel’s leadership structure, cut jobs, and restore competitiveness as the company struggles to keep pace with rivals in advanced chipmaking.