Bloomberg reported that after more than three months of selecting a new CEO,Intel finally chooses Chen Liwu as chief executive, shouldering the heavy responsibility of saving the company's future.The industry veteran is about to take on the toughest job in the semiconductor industry——It can even be called the most challenging job in the American technology industry.
Chen Liwu said in a letter to employees that team members are the "founders" of "New Intel" "from many aspects" and tried to create an atmosphere of a new start through spiritual mobilization. Although the specific blueprint for "New Intel" is not yet clear, Chen Liwu emphasized that the company must adhere to the two-wheel drive strategy of chip design and manufacturing.It implies that Intel will maintain the integrity of the group rather than split up the foundry business.
For Chen Liwu’s team, it’s now time for a “last-ditch fight”——If the CEO cannot lead the company out of the quagmire, I am afraid that no latecomers will get the opportunity.
If the transformation fails, Intel may fall apart. Its foundry business unit Intel Foundry has attracted the attention of outside investors, especially TSMC. Reuters reported on Wednesday thatThe Taiwanese semiconductor giant is seeking to unite allies to acquire and operate Intel's wafer fabs.
It is unclear whether TSMC's recently announced US$100 billion U.S. investment plan will affect its intention to acquire Intel's foundry business. Even so, other potential bidders may emerge. Rumors that Intel's business segment may be sold as a whole have been circulating in the market.
Some people question that if Intel’s foundry business is sold to TSMC,Will further weaken the United States' position in the cutting-edge chip field. Regarding the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry and the United States' position in this key industry, a better choice may be to adhere to Intel's overall operating strategy and fight to the death like a scarred boxer——This means maintaining the coordinated development of chip design and manufacturing operations.
Despite competition concerns, some companies have begun to test the waters of Intel foundry services. In recent months,Nvidia, Broadcom and Amazon have successively announced assessments of Intel's manufacturing capabilities.Bloomberg Industry Research analysts pointed out that these early cooperation intentions indicate that relevant companies have certain confidence in the progress of Intel’s 18A process.
The market reacted positively to Chen Liwu's appointment.After the news was announced, Intel's stock price rose by more than 11% after hours.
But transformation is urgent. As a veteran with 30 years of industry experience, Chen Liwu, who once served as a director of Intel, is well aware of the current situation of the company. He promised that "Intel will return to the dominance of engineer culture" and "achieve technological subversion and leapfrog development through precise risk-taking" and is committed to recasting the company's "winning genes." At a turning point in the history of the semiconductor giant,If Chen Liwu can't turn the tide, I'm afraid no latecomers will get the chance..