Intel began searching for a new leader after CEO Pat Gelsinger left his position on December 1, 2024. In this process, the company is evaluating Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, Johny Srouji, among potential candidates.
Johny Srouji joined Apple in 2008 and led the development of the A4, the company’s first custom chip. This chip was used in the first generation iPad and iPhone 4. Promoted to Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies in 2015, Srouji led Apple’s strategy to expand its in-house chip design and manufacturing capacity. This strategy increased Apple’s control over its supply chain and enabled the use of chips of its own design in products such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Intel is focusing on external candidates in its search for a CEO, and in addition to Srouji, it is also considering names such as Marvell Technology CEO Matt Murphy and former Cadence CEO Lip-Bu Tan. However, given Srouji’s current projects at Apple and his strategic role within the company, it is considered unlikely that he will accept Intel’s offer.
Intel wants a CEO who specializes in product development
Intel needs a leadership change due to the difficulties it has recently experienced in its production processes and competition in the artificial intelligence market. In addition to missing opportunities in the mobile device market, the company has also fallen behind its competitors in artificial intelligence technologies. Therefore, the new CEO is required to have expertise in both production and product development.
Srouji’s current projects at Apple include developing the company’s own 5G modem and new hardware products. These projects are critical to Apple’s future product strategy. Therefore, Srouji is not expected to leave Apple at this stage.
As Intel’s search for a CEO continues, the company’s future strategy and leadership structure are being closely watched by the technology world.