Pat Gelsinger’s sudden departure from Intel has left the company reeling, with many questioning whether the new CEO can stem the tide of decline that has plagued the chipmaker in recent years. The 63-year-old executive, who had been at the helm since 2021, failed to deliver on his promise to revitalize the company through massive investments in fabs and a foundry business for others.
Gelsinger’s vision, which was touted as a bold attempt to reboot Intel’s design focus and regain competitiveness, ultimately proved too costly. The company’s share price halved in just 12 months under his leadership, sparking concerns about its ability to navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Intel’s struggles are well-documented, from its failed forays into Itanium and AI research to its inability to keep pace with AMD in the x86 market. The company’s reliance on a single strategy of updating process and processor design alternately has become unsustainable, leaving it vulnerable to competitors like Nvidia and TSMC.
Gelsinger’s departure raises questions about the future of Intel’s operations, with some speculating that the company may be broken up into separate foundry and design companies or sold off in pieces. The prospect of negotiating the Chips Act billions with the incoming Trump administration will also require close contact from new leaders, further muddying the waters.
As Gelsinger moves on to potentially high-profile tech exec roles, it is unclear whether he will find fulfillment in his next endeavor. One thing is certain, however: Intel’s leadership crisis has left many wondering if the company can ever reclaim its former glory.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/09/opinion_column_gelsinger_intel_departure