Intel announced that its CEO Lip-Bu Tan will oversee its artificial intelligence efforts following the departure of Chief Technology Officer Sachin Katti. He has joined OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. Katti had led Intel’s AI activities since a management reorganization in January and announced his move on the social network X.
In a statement, Intel thanked Katti for his contributions and wished him success. Lip-Bu Tan will now lead the AI and advanced technology groups while working closely with the team. The company emphasized that artificial intelligence remains one of its highest priorities and that it is focused on executing its technology and product roadmap for emerging AI workloads.
Katti’s Position at Intel and Now at OpenAI
OpenAI President Greg Brockman said on X that Katti will design and build computing infrastructure to support artificial general intelligence (AGI) research and expand its applications for everyone. Katti joined Intel about four years ago and worked in the networking group, which he eventually led under former CEO Pat Gelsinger.
In April, Tan promoted Katti to chief technology officer and head of AI as he flattened the company’s management structure. Before that, Katti was a professor at Stanford University for nearly 15 years.
Intel in Trouble
Since Tan took over in March, several senior executives have left Intel as the company struggles to attract major customers for its contract chip manufacturing business. Intel’s central processing units are used in AI server systems, but on a smaller scale than dedicated AI chips. Intel has struggled to produce an AI data center chip capable of competing with silicon designed by Nvidia and manufactured by Taiwan’s TSMC.
Tan has promoted some executives, such as Naga Chandrasekaran, who ran the manufacturing subsidiary and now has greater responsibility for working with external foundry customers. He has also brought in new people from outside the company, such as Kevork Kechichian from Arm, to lead the data center unit.
Sources: reuters.com and indianexpress.com
