The long search for Paul Otellini’s successor by microprocessor vendor Intel Corp. has come to an end. And it has found two successors: Brian Krzanich and Renée James.
Intel said Thursday that it has tapped Krzanich, Intel’s COO since January of 2012, to become the company’s sixth CEO. He’ll take on the new role on May 16, when Otellini officially steps down. Krzanich joined in 1982 and began a steady rise through the ranks.
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“Brian is a strong leader with a passion for technology and deep understanding of the business,” said Intel chair Andy Bryant, in a statement. “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.”
Krzanich began with Intel as a process engineer, and as COO since January 2012 he led over 50,000 employees across Intel’s Technology and Manufacturing Group, Intel Custom Foundry and several other organizations.
“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.”
James is another Intel veteran, with 25 years at the vendor and its subsidiaries. She has held product R&D leadership positions, and as head of the software and services group had responsibility for havoc, McAfee and Wind River.
“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.”
Intel plans to run a two-person executive office, and the pair will have a tough act to follow. Otellini joined Intel in 1974, and has led the company as president since 2002, adding the CEO title in 2005. He’s led the vendor through a period of technological upheaval, including shifting form factors, and competition from new rivals.