Dr. Naga Chandrasekaran joins Intel to lead foundry operations amid AI-driven growth

Intel Corporation has announced the appointment of Dr. Naga Chandrasekaran as the new Chief Global Operations Officer, Executive Vice President, and General Manager of its Intel Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain organization. Chandrasekaran will join Intel from Micron, where he held the position of Senior Vice President for Technology Development. His appointment is part of a strategic move to bolster Intel’s leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Dr. Naga Chandrasekaran Takes the Helm at Intel Foundry

Dr. Naga Chandrasekaran’s transition to Intel marks a significant development in the company’s strategy to enhance its global operations and supply chain resilience. Chandrasekaran is set to begin his new role on August 12, 2024, and will oversee Intel Foundry’s worldwide manufacturing operations. His responsibilities will include Fab Sort Manufacturing, Assembly Test Manufacturing, strategic planning for Intel Foundry, corporate quality assurance, and supply chain management.

Keyvan Esfarjani’s Legacy and Chandrasekaran’s Role

Chandrasekaran takes over from Keyvan Esfarjani, who is retiring after nearly 30 years with Intel. Esfarjani’s tenure was marked by his exceptional contributions to global supply chain resilience and manufacturing excellence, laying a strong foundation for Intel Foundry. Esfarjani will remain with the company through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Chandrasekaran’s Extensive Experience in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Before joining Intel, Chandrasekaran accumulated over 20 years of experience at Micron Technology. There, he played a pivotal role in leading global technology development and engineering efforts, focusing on scaling memory technologies, advanced packaging, and emerging technology solutions. His extensive experience includes roles such as Senior Vice President of Process R&D and Operations, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor manufacturing and R&D.

A Strong Educational Background

Dr. Chandrasekaran holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras, a master’s degree and a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University, and a master’s degree in Information and Data Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, he earned dual executive MBAs from UCLA Anderson School of Management and the National University of Singapore.

Intel’s Vision for AI-Driven Computing

Intel Foundry’s mission encompasses all critical aspects of technology development, global manufacturing, and customer service, essential for the new era of AI-driven computing. Dr. Chandrasekaran will collaborate with other Intel Foundry leaders, including Dr. Ann Kelleher, Kevin O’Buckley, and Lorenzo Flores, to achieve Intel’s vision of creating the world’s first systems foundry tailored for the AI era.