Intel revealed one of the two executives who helmed the ship prior to Lip-Bu Tan being appointed CEO in March would leave, a departure announced as part of a broader executive reshuffle the new boss hopes will spur a much-needed turnaround in company fortunes.

Michelle Johnston Holthaus’ (pictured) departure will end a 30-year career with Intel spanning various roles.

She is currently chief executive of Intel Products and was co-CEO with David Zinsner from December 2024 until mid-March when Tan was appointed permanent successor to Pat Gelsinger.

Holthaus will be eased out, taking on an advisory role for a matter of months “to ensure a seamless transition”, Intel stated.

Tan offered his thanks to an executive who “transformed major businesses, built high-performing teams and worked to delight our customers”.

Reuters noted Intel faces continued pressure over its financial performance and the latest reshuffle fits with an earlier article it posted over the new CEO’s desire to simplify the management structure.

Movers and shakers
Intel appointed Kevork Kechichian as EVP and GM of its Data Centre Group: the executive “brings more than 30 years of industry experience”, most recently as EVP of engineering at Arm.

Other changes involve Jim Johnson becoming the permanent SVP and GM of Intel’s Client Computing Group after holding the position on an interim basis, while Srini Iyengar is to lead a new Central Engineering Group.

Iyengar joined Intel from Cadence Design Systems in June, the company explained.

There is also an expanded role for Naga Chandrasekaran, EVP and chief technology and operations officer at Intel Foundry, to foster integration across development, production and sales.

Tan’s opening six months as Intel CEO have been fraught, dominated by talk of layoffs and the administration of US President Donald Trump suggesting the executive had close ties with Chinese authorities which appears to have paved the way for the government to take a stake in the company.