Lip-Bu Tan, former Cadence CEO and longtime industry heavyweight, will officially step into Intel’s top role on March 18, 2025. With a mission to revive the company’s innovative edge and global dominance, Tan promises a bold, engineering-driven strategy focused on risk-taking, product breakthroughs, and foundry excellence.
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Lip-Bu Tan Takes the Reins: Intel’s Comeback Story Begins
Three months after Pat Gelsinger announced his departure from the helm, Intel has named its new CEO—and it’s a name that commands attention across the tech world. Lip-Bu Tan, the seasoned executive who once transformed Cadence Design Systems, is stepping into the spotlight once more.
His official start date is March 18, 2025, but Tan is already making waves. In a company-wide email, he laid out a clear and ambitious roadmap: bring Intel back to its roots as an engineering powerhouse, double down on innovation, and elevate its foundry services to world-class levels.
Not Just a Leader—A True Believer
Tan isn’t new to Intel. He’s served on the board before—though he famously stepped away due to strategic differences. Now, with the reins in hand, he’s all in.
“This won’t be easy,” he told employees candidly. “But I believe with every fiber of my being that we have what it takes to win.” His words carry the weight of experience and the fire of belief. Tan isn’t walking into this role to coast. He’s here to transform.
A Sharp Contrast to the Competition
Intel’s current market cap sits at $89.2 billion, a stark contrast to AMD’s $163.6 billion and Nvidia’s staggering $2.83 trillion. Tan acknowledges the gap—and isn’t shying away from the challenge.
To catch up, he says, Intel must take bold, calculated risks. That means making disruptive moves in lagging areas, pushing product innovation, and embracing a future-focused mindset. No more half-steps. Only leaps.
Wall Street Approves—For Now
Investors seem energized by the leadership shift. Following the announcement, Intel’s stock jumped 12% to $23.21, signaling renewed confidence in the company’s direction under Tan’s command.
And that optimism may be well placed. During his 12-year tenure as CEO of Cadence, Tan grew the company’s stock more than 3,200%—a legacy that speaks for itself.
Back to the Bench: Interim Leaders Reposition
With Tan’s appointment, Intel’s interim co-CEOs—Michelle Johnston Holthaus and Dave Zinsner—will return to their previous roles as head of Intel Products and CFO, respectively. Their stewardship helped steady the ship. Now, it’s time for a bold new course.
Tan’s arrival marks more than just a leadership change. It signals a pivotal moment in Intel’s history—a chance to rewrite the narrative and reclaim the innovation crown it once wore with pride.
The question now is: Can this visionary leader rally the troops, outmaneuver fierce competition, and take Intel from underdog to industry titan once again?
If his track record is any indication, don’t bet against him.
