Intel’s Search for a New CEO Begins: Rumors Surface Around Former TSMC CEO Mark Liu and Ex-AMD Victor Peng

Intel is officially on the hunt for a new CEO following the announced departure of Pat Gelsinger, marking a critical juncture for the company. Gelsinger’s exit comes amid a challenging period for Intel, with financial struggles and underperforming divisions creating uncertainty about the company’s direction.

Rumored Candidates and Speculations

Reports, including one from DigiTimes, suggest that Intel has approached Mark Liu, former CEO of TSMC, to step into the role. However, this claim should be taken with caution as Liu is retired, and a move to Intel would potentially breach agreements with TSMC, a direct competitor.

Other names being speculated for the top job include:

• Victor Peng, former AMD executive with experience leading transformative projects.

• Raja Koduri, previously head of Intel's discrete GPU efforts, known for innovative leadership in graphics and computing.

Intel has temporarily appointed David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus as interim co-CEOs while the search for a permanent successor continues.

Under Gelsinger’s leadership, Intel initiated bold strategies like the Intel Foundry Services (IFS) to compete with chipmaking giants like TSMC and Samsung. However, the initiative struggled to deliver results, leading to concerns about its viability. Intel is also grappling with:

• Underperforming manufacturing and product divisions.

• Financial pressures resulting in asset sell-offs.

• Uncertainty surrounding its foundry business's future, which could be pivotal for long-term growth.

Intel’s next CEO will face the daunting task of restructuring the organization, addressing manufacturing inefficiencies, and potentially redefining its product and foundry strategies. Given the competitive semiconductor market, Intel will likely prioritize a leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and managing large-scale turnarounds.

While no timeline has been set, industry watchers and investors alike are keeping a close eye on Intel’s decision, as the appointment will have significant implications for its position in the tech landscape.

What qualities do you think Intel’s next CEO should have to steer the company back to success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!