Poaching Micron, TSMC, Intel foundry business is still saved

According to Singapore's Business Times, after its contract manufacturing business suffered billions of dollars in losses, Intel hired Naga Chandrasekaran, a Micron veteran in charge of process technology development, as its chief operating officer.

Intel has reportedly faced setbacks in developing chip manufacturing. After experiencing a staggering $7 billion loss in its foundry business in 2023, the company lost another $2.5 billion in the first quarter of this year.

So, to fuel the growth of its contract manufacturing business, Intel recruited Naga Chandrasekaran from Micron, who will oversee all of Intel's manufacturing operations and report directly to CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Chandrasekaran's appointment will take effect on August 12. He will oversee Intel Foundry's global manufacturing operations and strategic planning, including assembly and test manufacturing, wafer manufacturing, and supply chain management. In essence, Chandrasekaran will be responsible for all of Intel's manufacturing activities.

In announcing the hiring, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger noted, "Naga is a highly accomplished executive whose deep semiconductor manufacturing and technology development expertise will be a great addition to our team.

Gelsinger said: "As we continue to build a globally resilient semiconductor supply chain and create the world's first system foundry for the AI era, Naga's leadership position will help us accelerate our progress and capitalize on important long-term growth opportunities ahead."

According to a report from tom's hardware, Chandrasekaran worked for Micron for more than 20 years, holding various management positions. Most recently, he led global technology development and engineering with a focus on expanding memory devices, advanced packaging, and emerging technology solutions. His extensive background includes process and equipment development, equipment technology and mask technology.

He will replace Keyvan Esfarjani, who will retire at the end of the year. Esfarjani, who has been with Intel for nearly 30 years, will remain with the company to assist with the transition. He has made significant contributions to Intel's global supply chain resilience and manufacturing operations.

On the other hand, according to the Business Times, in order to narrow the gap with TSMC, Intel is also said to recruit the contract giant's senior engineers for its contract manufacturing department.

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