Intel’s new CEO to employees: "We are the founders of The New Intel"
Lip-Bu Tan calls for unity and speed as he takes on one of the toughest turnaround jobs in tech.
Lip-Bu Tan, Intel’s newly appointed CEO, wasted no time in outlining his vision for the embattled chipmaker, delivering a blunt and urgent message to employees just days before officially assuming his role. In a company-wide letter, Tan framed his leadership as a turning point for Intel, emphasizing the need for an aggressive turnaround strategy that prioritizes engineering excellence, customer focus, and accountability.
“We have a truly unique opportunity to remake our company at one of the most pivotal moments in its history,” Tan wrote. “That’s not to say it will be easy. It won’t be. But I am joining because I believe with every fiber of my being that we have what it takes to win.”
A Company in Crisis
Tan takes the helm at a time of deep uncertainty for Intel. Once the undisputed leader in semiconductors, the company has struggled to keep pace with Nvidia and AMD in the AI-driven chip race, while its foundry ambitions have yet to gain significant traction. The ouster of former CEO Pat Gelsinger in December highlighted the growing frustration among Intel’s board and investors, who have watched the company’s market position erode despite years of restructuring efforts.
Intel’s problems run deep. Its workforce remains bloated compared to competitors, and critics have long argued that the company’s bureaucratic culture stifles innovation. In his letter, Tan made it clear that he is not here to manage decline but to overhaul the company’s DNA.
“Under my leadership, Intel will be an engineering-focused company,” he stated. “We will push ourselves to develop the best products, listen intently to our customers and hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make so that we build trust.”
A Shift in Culture
Tan’s arrival marks a stark departure from the leadership style of his predecessor. While Gelsinger, a veteran engineer, emphasized Intel’s technical legacy, Tan’s background as both a technologist and investor suggests a more pragmatic, results-driven approach. He has been vocal about Intel’s need to move faster and take risks, particularly in areas where it has fallen behind.
“In areas where we have momentum, we need to double down and extend our advantage,” he wrote. “In areas where we are behind the competition, we need to take calculated risks to disrupt and leapfrog.”
The reference to calculated risks is telling. Tan’s previous disagreements with Intel’s board centered on his push for more drastic restructuring, including deeper workforce reductions and a more aggressive shift toward foundry services. His letter hints at an era of sharper decision-making, where slow progress will no longer be tolerated.
A New Intel—or a Last Chance?
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Tan’s letter is his insistence on rebuilding Intel’s culture from the ground up. He speaks of unity, accountability, and, above all, a relentless drive to win.
“This is the mentality we all need to embrace as we build a winning culture across Intel,” he said. “There’s nothing I dislike more than losing.”
With this statement, Tan sets a clear tone: Intel is not just fighting for relevance—it is fighting for survival. He describes the company’s transformation as a collective effort, urging employees to view themselves as the “founders of ‘The New Intel.’”
“We will learn from past mistakes, use setbacks to strengthen our resolve and choose action over distraction to reach our full potential,” he wrote.
Tan’s challenge will be formidable. Intel’s turnaround has been in the works for years, yet its stock continues to underperform, and its ability to compete in AI and advanced chip manufacturing remains uncertain. If his letter is any indication, Tan is betting that a ruthless focus on execution, coupled with cultural transformation, can reverse Intel’s fortunes.
Whether he succeeds will determine not just Intel’s future, but its place in a semiconductor industry that is evolving faster than ever.
