Intel Corporation has announced a strategic leadership realignment to sharpen execution, accelerate product innovation, and strengthen its foundry business. Key appointments include Kevork Kechichian leading Data Center, Jim Johnson taking permanent helm of Client Computing, and Srini Iyengar heading a new Central Engineering Group. Naga Chandrasekaran expands oversight of Intel Foundry, while longtime executive Michelle Johnston Holthaus departs after 30+ years. All report to CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
New Leadership for Core Business Units
As part of its ongoing transformation, Intel is placing seasoned technologists and operators at the helm of its most critical divisions — aligning engineering excellence with market execution.
Kevork Kechichian — Executive VP & GM, Data Center Group (DCG)
Kechichian joins Intel from Arm, where he served as EVP of Engineering and led the company’s shift from IP licensing to full-stack solution delivery. With over 30 years in semiconductors — including leadership roles at Qualcomm and NXP — he will now oversee Intel’s Xeon processor portfolio and data center strategy across cloud and enterprise markets.
“Kevork brings strategic vision, technical depth, and operational rigor to seize growth in the data center,” said CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
Jim Johnson — SVP & GM, Client Computing Group (CCG)
A 40-year Intel veteran, Johnson has been formally appointed to lead CCG after successfully steering the group on an interim basis. His career spans manufacturing, networking, and global business leadership — giving him unmatched institutional knowledge and industry relationships.
“Jim’s steady leadership is driving progress as we prepare to launch next-gen client products,” Tan added.
Central Engineering Group: Unifying Innovation Across Intel
Intel is establishing a new Central Engineering Group, led by Srinivasan (Srini) Iyengar, SVP and Intel Fellow. This horizontal function will streamline engineering execution and launch a new custom silicon business to serve external customers.
Iyengar joins from Cadence Design Systems, where he led global silicon engineering and collaborated closely with hyperscalers to optimize workload-specific silicon. His mandate: unify engineering resources, accelerate time-to-market, and build scalable custom solutions beyond Intel’s traditional product lines.
“With Srini leading Central Engineering, we’re aligning innovation and execution tightly in service to customers,” said Tan.
Foundry Leadership Expanded for End-to-End Customer Focus
Naga Chandrasekaran, EVP and CTOO of Intel Foundry, will now also oversee Foundry Services, creating a unified structure spanning technology, manufacturing, and go-to-market operations. This integration aims to improve responsiveness, quality, and collaboration for foundry clients.
Chandrasekaran, who joined Intel in 2024 from Micron, previously consolidated technology and manufacturing under his leadership. Kevin O’Buckley continues as GM of Foundry Services, now reporting to Chandrasekaran.
“Naga’s leadership and our integrated model will enhance execution and customer service across the foundry business,” Tan stated.
Michelle Johnston Holthaus to Depart After 30+ Years
Intel also announced the departure of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Chief Executive of Intel Products, following more than three decades of service. Holthaus held pivotal roles including interim co-CEO, CCG GM, and Chief Revenue Officer — driving major transformations and revenue growth.
She will remain as a strategic advisor during the transition.
“Michelle transformed businesses, built exceptional teams, and inspired us all. Her legacy at Intel is profound,” said Tan. “We thank her and wish her the very best.”
Strategic Alignment for the “New Intel”
These appointments signal Intel’s intensified focus on:
- Strengthening core product execution (Client + Data Center)
- Scaling a trusted, customer-centric foundry business
- Embedding engineering excellence across all functions
With deep technical leadership now firmly in place, Intel aims to accelerate innovation, improve operational discipline, and deliver world-class silicon — for its own roadmap and for external partners.
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
