Intel has officially announced the retirement of Dr. Ann Kelleher, Executive Vice President and head of manufacturing technology development since 2020, after more than three decades with the company. The news comes at a strategic moment as the company is about to commence production of its 18A manufacturing node, crucial for both its own products and external customers.
Succession and Strategic Reorganization
The succession of Kelleher will be led by Naga Chandrasekaran, who will take on the new role of Chief of Technology and Operations at Intel Foundry. Coming from Micron, Chandrasekaran has led technology development and advanced packaging projects, and he will now oversee both the Technology Development (TD) group and the Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain organization (FMSC). This integration aims to accelerate production timelines, improve efficiency, and reduce performance variability in chip manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Navid Shahriari, who was initially slated to replace Kelleher in the Process Development area, will now lead a new division focused on chip production and advanced packaging. This strategic reorganization positions Intel to strengthen the rapid development and deployment of multi-chip integration technologies, which are key to the future of high-performance processor design.
Kelleher’s Impact on Intel’s Transformation
Ann Kelleher has not only been a key figure in restructuring the technology development area but also in implementing Intel’s ambitious “5N4Y” roadmap, which aims to launch five production nodes in four years. Her legacy leaves the company with advanced work on the 18A-P, 3-E, 3-PT nodes and significant milestones in the development of 14A (equivalent to 1.4 nm), its future cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
Before her final departure, Kelleher will continue as a strategic advisor, collaborating on critical areas such as the development of chiplet standards, production capabilities in the United States and Europe, and driving differentiating solutions for Intel Foundry.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for Intel, which is preparing to compete not only in the development of its own processors but also as a provider of advanced manufacturing services for third parties, in an increasingly competitive market dominated by giants such as TSMC and Samsung.
via: Tom’s Hardware