September 8, 2025 | Santa Clara, CA – Intel Corporation has unveiled a significant leadership reshuffle as CEO Lip-Bu Tan aims to accelerate innovation, streamline operations, and strengthen growth across the struggling U.S. chipmaker. The announcement includes several senior appointments, the creation of a new engineering group, and the departure of long-time products chief Michelle Johnston Holthaus.
Jim Johnson to Head Client Computing Group
Jim Johnson has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group (CCG), the company’s largest division by revenue. A 40-year Intel veteran, Johnson has held diverse engineering and leadership roles across technology, manufacturing, and networking divisions.
Johnson will lead efforts to deliver innovative computing solutions to the global PC and edge ecosystems. Tan noted, “Jim’s steady leadership and trusted relationships across the computing industry are driving continued progress in our client business as we prepare to launch a new generation of products.” The Client Computing Group recently experienced a 3% revenue decline to $7.9 billion, underlining the need for focused leadership.
Kevork Kechichian to Lead Data Center Group
Kevork Kechichian joins Intel as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center Group (DCG). Kechichian brings over 30 years of semiconductor experience, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Engineering at Arm. He has also held senior engineering roles at NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm.
In his new role, Kechichian will oversee Intel’s data center business, including the Intel Xeon processor family, focusing on cloud and enterprise markets. CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized, “Kevork brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, technical depth, and operational rigor that will help us seize growth opportunities across the data center market.”
Intel’s Data Center and AI group recently reported a 4% year-over-year revenue growth to $3.9 billion, lagging behind peers such as Nvidia and AMD, highlighting the importance of Kechichian’s leadership in driving future expansion.
Srini Iyengar to Lead Newly Formed Central Engineering Group
Intel is establishing a Central Engineering Group, headed by Srinivasan (Srini) Iyengar, Senior Vice President and Fellow. Iyengar, who joined from Cadence Design Systems, will oversee horizontal engineering functions and build a custom silicon business serving external customers.
Tan highlighted, “With Srini leading Central Engineering, we’re aligning innovation and execution more tightly in service to customers.” This strategic move is aimed at fostering faster product development and enhancing Intel’s engineering culture.
Michelle Johnston Holthaus to Depart
After more than three decades at Intel, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Chief Executive of Intel Products, will leave the company. Holthaus previously served as interim co-CEO following Pat Gelsinger’s departure and held various leadership roles across Intel’s client computing and product divisions. She will remain a strategic advisor during the transition.
Tan praised Holthaus’ contributions, stating, “Throughout her incredible career, Michelle has transformed major businesses, built high-performing teams, and worked to delight our customers. She has made a lasting impact on our company and inspired so many of us with her leadership.”
Naga Chandrasekaran Expands Foundry Role
Naga Chandrasekaran, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Intel Foundry, will now also oversee Foundry Services. This expanded role integrates technology development, manufacturing, and go-to-market strategies to better serve customers.
Tan said, “Naga’s strong leadership, combined with a more integrated foundry operating model, will help us enhance the quality of execution, collaboration, and customer service across our foundry business.”
Moving Forward
The executive reshuffle comes as Intel navigates a challenging market, with President Donald Trump recently suggesting the U.S. government could take a 10% stake in the company. Tan’s restructuring aims to flatten the leadership hierarchy, streamline operations, and position Intel for renewed growth in data centers, client computing, and custom silicon solutions.
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