Intel is not going to abandon chip production – a new head of process development has been appointed

Intel announced the appointment of Navid Shahriari to succeed Ann Kelleher as executive vice president, leading Intel’s process technology development while maintaining the company’s in-house semiconductor manufacturing focus. The decision was made against the backdrop of pressure from former members of the company’s board of directors and proposals to spin off Intel production into a separate company.

Image Source: Intel

The message, as noted by Oregon Live, emphasizes the need for a smooth transition of management and the importance of Intel’s long-term strategy focused on developing production capabilities within the company. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining and developing its own production infrastructure, despite increasing external pressure to separate its production and operational functions.

Anne Kelleher, who has been with Intel since 1996, has extensive manufacturing management experience. Previously, she served as plant manager in Ireland, Oregon, New Mexico and Arizona, and in 2020 she was named general manager of Intel’s process technology development. In this role, she will implement CEO Pat Gelsinger’s ambitious “Five Processes in Four Years” plan. One of the key milestones is the development of the Intel 18A process technology, which should go into mass production next year.

Shahriyari began his career at Intel in 1989 and is currently responsible for chip design in Arizona, a vital process that bridges the gap between chip architecture, process technology and volume production. As part of the succession plan, he will focus on developing production processes. It is not yet clear when he will officially take up his new position and whether he will be transferred to Oregon, where Intel’s main laboratories and production facilities are concentrated. However, it is expected that this process may take several years.

«Ann is not going to go anywhere,” Intel said, noting her importance and the need for succession planning. Shahriyari is taking on new responsibilities in preparation for his role as head of the unit, according to an official statement.

The news of a successor comes as pressure grows on Gelsinger to spin off Intel’s manufacturing segment into a separate company, similar to what AMD did in 2008-2009. Some former board members even suggested that the US government use the $20 billion allocated to Intel under the CHIPS & Science Act as a tool to break up the company. However, the announcement of the succession and the appointment of Shahriyari as general manager of technology development at Intel indicate Gelsinger’s desire to keep the company as it is.