Intel on Thursday announced that Brian Krzanich will take the reigns as chief executive officer (CEO) of the chip giant, succeeding Paul Otellini who previously announced that he would step down.
Krzanich, 52, was unanimously elected by the board of directors and will assume his new role on May 16, the company said.
Krzanich has served as Intel’s chief operating officer since January 2012, and has held a series of technical and leadership roles since joining Intel in 1982.
Krzanich will become the sixth CEO in Intel’s history.
Intel announced that it would acquire security giant McAfee in 2010 for $7.68 billion, in part with the aim of improving embedded security and baking more security into hardware.
“After a thorough and deliberate selection process, the board of directors is delighted that Krzanich will lead Intel as we define and invent the next generation of technology that will shape the future of computing,” said Andy Bryant, chairman of Intel.
“Brian is a strong leader with a passion for technology and deep understanding of the business,” Bryant added. “His track record of execution and strategic leadership, combined with his open-minded approach to problem solving has earned him the respect of employees, customers and partners worldwide. He has the right combination of knowledge, depth and experience to lead the company during this period of rapid technology and industry change.”
“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to lead Intel,” said Krzanich. “We have amazing assets, tremendous talent, and an unmatched legacy of innovation and execution. I look forward to working with our leadership team and employees worldwide to continue our proud legacy, while moving even faster into ultra-mobility, to lead Intel into the next era.”
Additionally, the board of directors elected Renée James, 48, as president of Intel, and will assume her new role on May 16.
“I look forward to partnering with Renée as we begin a new chapter in Intel’s history,” said Krzanich. “Her deep understanding and vision for the future of computing architecture, combined with her broad experience running product R&D and one of the world’s largest software organizations, are extraordinary assets for Intel.”
As chief operating officer, Krzanich led an organization of more than 50,000 employees spanning Intel’s Technology and Manufacturing Group, Intel Custom Foundry, NAND Solutions group, Human Resources, Information Technology and Intel’s China strategy.
James has held leadership positions at Intel and as chairman of Intel’s software subsidiaries — Havok, McAfee and Wind River. She also currently serves on the board of directors of Vodafone Group Plc and VMware Inc. and was chief of staff for former Intel CEO Andy Grove.
