| |MARCH 202519its own central processors than Intel ones. After that he has invested in Nuvia, which Qualcomm acquired for $1.4 billion in 2021 as a key component of its strategy to take on Intel in the laptop and PC chip industries.To this day, Tan remains actively involved with startups that may either end up competing with Intel or become targets for acquisition. Even recently, he made an investment in Celestial AI, an AI photonic firm supported by Advanced Micro Devices, a rival of Intel.His ContributionsDuring his time at Cadence Design Systems from 2009 until 2021, Tan worked closely with TSMC, which had pledged from the beginning that it would only focus on production, and on providing the software for complex designs for the company.As the iPhone manufacturer moved away from vendors like Intel and toward its own chips, Cadence's share increased 3,200 percent during Tan's tenure there, and Apple became one of its biggest clients.Additionally, Cadence's products were essential to companies in the semiconductor sector like Broadcom, which assists Google, Amazon, and others in designing their own AI chips and having TSMC manufacture them. Tan also served on the boards of SoftBank Group and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.The Biggest Task He Has to do at IntelWith missed opportunities and financial pressures, the past year has been quite the rollercoaster for Intel. Tan is aware of this and that the reversal will not be simple. However, his message is also positive. He believes that Intel has "what it takes to win," emphasizing the company's engineering history and capacity for self-reinvention. Perhaps this balance of confidence and modesty is just what Intel needs right now.Tan will be the fourth CEO of Intel. He has been on the board of directors of Intel before, and is not exactly an outsider to the corporation. Also, he has a broad range of skills that include both designing and manufacturing AI chips.That is, whether to make it into an AI chip company or a PC and server chip company?But considering his experience of working closely with semiconductor fabrication facilities during his tenure at Cadence, Tan knows both the design and manufacturing aspects of the chip industry like the back of his hand.He is Inheriting the Same Approach With a Little TwistHe is said to take over Gelsinger's Intel foundry approach. It is believed to be an attempt to turn Intel into a contract manufacturer for more than only its own ideas. He is likely indicating that he will continue but will modify the way it is carried out. Accelerated investment in US-based operations could be part of the Intel CEO's foundry plan, giving the company a manufacturing advantage over competitors like TSMC.The arrival of Lip-Bu Tan marks a turning point for Intel. His commitment to creating a top-notch foundry and putting the needs of his customers first marks a shift in focus that could have far-reaching effects. Even while challenges lie ahead, his leadership and vision give the venerable chipmaker a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The tech community will be intently observing Tan's ability to bring Intel back to its former glory and establish the company's place in the rapidly changing technology sector. AS HIS FIRST MOVE, TAN WROTE A LETTER TO INTEL'S EMPLOYEES, PROMISING TO TRANSFORM THE COMPANY INTO AN `ENGINEERING-FOCUSED COMPANY' THAT KEEPS ITS WORD AND LISTENS TO ITS CUSTOMERS
< Page 9 | Page 11 >