Intel Corporation announced the resignation of CEO Pat Gelsinger on December 1, marking the end of his tenure at the tech giant less than four years after his appointment. Gelsinger, a veteran of the company with a career spanning decades, stepped down following a directive from Intel’s board to either retire or face removal.
A Bittersweet Farewell
In a statement, Gelsinger, 63, expressed mixed emotions about his departure. “This company has been my life for the bulk of my working career. I can look back with pride at all that we have accomplished together,” he said. He acknowledged the challenging year Intel faced and described the difficult but necessary decisions required to adapt to shifting market dynamics.
Taking to LinkedIn to reflect on his journey, Gelsinger described leading Intel as “the honor of my lifetime,” thanking colleagues and highlighting the strides made under his leadership.
The Intel Board’s Decision
Gelsinger’s resignation follows an Intel board meeting last week where directors expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of progress under his ambitious turnaround strategy. According to Reuters, the board voiced concerns over the costliness of Gelsinger’s plans and the slow implementation of changes needed to regain the company’s competitive edge.
Leadership Transition
Intel has appointed David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus as interim co-CEOs while the search for a permanent replacement is underway. Zinsner serves as Intel’s Chief Financial Officer, while Holthaus leads the Client Computing Group.
Gelsinger’s Legacy and Challenges
Pat Gelsinger began his career at Intel in 1979 and became the company’s first Chief Technology Officer. Returning to the company as CEO in 2021, he implemented bold strategies to revitalize Intel, including investments to expand semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. However, Intel struggled to reclaim its status as a leader in producing the fastest and smallest computer chips. Competitors like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Nvidia continued to dominate the market.
Despite these challenges, Gelsinger leaves a legacy of innovation and resilience. The company now faces the task of finding a leader who can navigate the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry and restore Intel’s position as a global leader.
Sources By Agencies