Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is wasting no time making his mark. In his first major move since taking the reins last month, Tan has initiated a sweeping leadership overhaul designed to reignite innovation and accelerate Intel’s push into artificial intelligence.
In a memo seen by Reuters, Tan announced a flattened corporate structure aimed at cutting bureaucracy and enabling faster decision-making. The restructuring places Intel’s key chipmaking divisions—including its data center and personal computing units—directly under his supervision, removing layers of executive management.
“We must strip away complexity and empower our engineers,” Tan wrote. “Bureaucratic processes have been slowly suffocating the innovation we need to lead.”
As part of the shakeup, Sachin Katti, current head of networking chips and a Stanford professor, has been appointed Chief Technology and Artificial Intelligence Officer. Katti will oversee Intel’s AI roadmap, Intel Labs, and external collaboration with developers and startups. He replaces Greg Lavender, who is retiring.
Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who previously led the affected divisions, will remain CEO of Intel Products, with her role set to evolve in the coming months.
Tan’s aggressive restructuring signals a clear shift in culture—from corporate stagnation to engineering-first dynamism—as Intel seeks to reclaim its position at the forefront of chip innovation and AI leadership.
