Meet Intel CEO: Lip‑Bu Tan
In March 2025, Intel brought in Lip‑Bu Tan as its new CEO—effective March 18—hoping his leadership will help turn around the company’s recent struggles NewsroomWikipedia. Tan, an industry veteran, rejoined Intel’s board and quickly took charge amid mounting challenges NewsroomThe Washington PostWikipedia.
Who Is Lip‑Bu Tan?
Born in Malaysia in 1959 and now a U.S. citizen, Lip‑Bu Tan holds degrees from Nanyang University, MIT, and the University of San Francisco Wikipedia. Before his new role at Intel, he was CEO of Cadence Design Systems (2009–2021) and chair of his own venture capital firm, Walden International WikipediaThe Washington PostReuters. He also served on numerous notable boards, including Hewlett‑Packard and SoftBank Wikipedia.
What’s His Vision for Intel?
On March 31, Tan took center stage at Intel Vision 2025 in Las Vegas and painted a vision of a recharged Intel—one that values engineers, listens to customers, and moves faster like a startup NewsroomForbes. In his keynote, he acknowledged Intel had fallen behind in innovation and said simply, “You deserve better,” pledging a renewed focus on building a world-class foundry and improving AI capabilities The RegisterForbes.
By April, he shared a memo with employees celebrating positive first-quarter results—hitting revenue and earnings above guidance—while reminding them of the challenges ahead Intel Corporation.
Big Changes Are Underway
Since becoming intel ceo, Tan has instituted sweeping cost-cutting measures:
- Intel is slated to cut approximately 25,000 jobs (around 15% of its workforce) by the end of 2025, as part of a broader restructuring effort San Francisco ChronicleWikipedia.
- There’s a push to return to the office by September, aiming to reduce costs and boost productivity San Francisco Chronicle.
- Intel is also pulling back from mega-fab projects planned in Europe and tightening R&D spending WikipediaSan Francisco Chronicle.
Facing Headwinds: Politics & Pressure
Tan’s past investments in Chinese tech companies have sparked controversy. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton raised national security concerns, citing Tan’s financial ties to firms allegedly linked to China’s military New York PostReuters.
Former President Donald Trump escalated matters, publicly demanding Tan’s resignation via Truth Social, calling him “highly CONFLICTED,” prompting a noticeable dip in Intel’s stock The TimesThe GuardianAP News.
In response, Tan emphasized that there’s been “a lot of misinformation” about his past roles and said he’s engaging with the U.S. government to clear the air CNADataCenterDynamicsThe Business Times. He also confirmed he has the full support of Intel’s board The Business TimesWall Street Journal.
The Road Ahead
Tan’s appointment as new intel ceo marks a bold new chapter for a company once synonymous with chipmaking innovation. He’s introduced a sharper focus on discipline, customer-first culture, and revitalized leadership. But the road ahead is steep: Intel has lost ground in AI and semiconductors and is no longer among the top‑10 players—challenges Tan openly acknowledged, shifting focus to areas like edge AI Tom’s Hardware.
Why It Matters
For Intel fans and curiosity seekers alike, this leadership shift is crucial. Lip‑Bu Tan brings deep industry experience—and an ambitious reset plan—but also controversy. Whether his changes will help Intel regain leadership in chip design and manufacturing remains to be seen. What’s clear is that under Tan’s leadership, Intel is steering toward a leaner, more focused future.