Former Intel CEO Craig Barrett has proposed a drastic solution to the company’s ongoing challenges. He suggests that Intel’s board of directors should be dismissed and that Pat Gelsinger, the recently ousted CEO, should be reinstated.
Barrett, who led Intel from 1998 to 2005, criticized the idea of splitting Intel’s manufacturing and design operations. He believes that instead of fragmenting the company, efforts should focus on strengthening its semiconductor manufacturing leadership in the U.S.
Gelsinger returned to Intel in early 2021 with a vision to revitalize the company, aiming to compete with industry leader TSMC. His departure in December 2024 came as a surprise, following a series of ambitious initiatives that Barrett claims have put Intel back on a competitive footing.
Despite recent setbacks, Barrett argues that Gelsinger’s leadership has restored Intel’s technological capabilities, making it competitive in the semiconductor market. He contends that the company’s struggles stem from the board’s decisions rather than Gelsinger’s management.
Barrett also dismissed suggestions from former board members about spinning off Intel’s foundry unit, emphasizing that technological superiority is paramount in the semiconductor industry.
Recent reports indicate that companies like Broadcom and Nvidia are now testing chips on Intel’s upcoming 18A process node, reflecting a renewed interest in Intel’s technological advancements.
As geopolitical factors, such as tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors, may benefit U.S. manufacturers, Barrett’s call for a leadership change could represent a pivotal moment for Intel’s future.
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