Intel’s interim co-CEO ‘wants’ these qualities in the next company chief executive

Intel's interim co-CEO David Zinsner has revealed the qualities that the company is looking for in its next chief executive. According to a report, the company is prioritising manufacturing and product experience in its search for a new chief executive officer.
This announcement comes after the recent ousting of CEO Pat Gelsinger and amidst reports that Intel is considering former board member Lip-Bu Tan as a potential successor.
According to a report by news agency Reuters, Zinsner said at the UBS technology conference that the next CEO will ideally possess expertise in both foundry operations and product development. He emphasised that Intel's core strategy remains unchanged and that the company is committed to its turnaround plan.
“I'm not in the process, but I'm guessing that the CEO will have ... both some capability around foundry as well as on the product side,” Zinsner said.

Zinsner also reaffirmed the financial outlook provided in October, expressing optimism about the future of Intel’s PC and server business.
Naga Chandrasekaran, Intel’s head of foundry manufacturing and supply chain, said that there’s a need for a significant cultural shift within the company to succeed in both the foundry and semiconductor markets.
Despite these challenges, Intel remains focused on its advanced manufacturing processes. Chandrasekaran stated that the development of the 18A node is progressing as expected.
“There's nothing fundamentally challenging on this node now. It is about going through the remaining yield challenges, defect density challenges,” he said.
Intel plans to provide samples of chips made with the 18A node to customers in the first half of next year and begin mass production at its Oregon plant in the second half.
Zinsner also expects the foundry business to achieve better margins next year, driven by the production of Lunar Lake processors and cost reductions.