Singapore’s Tan Lip-Bu Takes Charge as Intel CEO, Aims for Strong Comeback

Intel has appointed Tan Lip-Bu, an accomplished semiconductor industry veteran, as its new CEO. He takes the position as CEO from March 18, 2025. The 65 year old Singapore born executive, a veteran board member and venture capitalist, is brought to navigate the company through one of its most turbulent times. Tan succeeds Pat Gelsinger, who was removed after his aggressive turnaround plans did not improve investor confidence.

Tan has extensive experience, having previously served as the head of Cadence Design Systems, a software company for chip design, where he managed its phenomenal 3,200% stock growth. He is also credited with investing in and building technology startups including Annapurna Labs which was eventually bought by Amazon and Nuvia, which Qualcomm acquired for $1.4 billion.

In his open letter to Intel staff, Tan reaffirmed his intention to take the company back to its engineering heritage, with an emphasis on product leadership, customer satisfaction and ambitious innovation. He underlined Intel’s singular chance to reclaim its position in the semiconductor world, even as it has fought lately to keep up with tech giants like TSMC and Nvidia. Tan’s arrival has been greeted by analysts, who see his extensive understanding of the industry and relationships as a turning point in stabilizing Intel’s fortunes.

Tan’s appointment comes at a high stakes time, as Intel spends billions transitioning to become a contract chipmaker and also being a player in the AI chip space. It is anticipated his appointment will add stability to the struggling tech leader.