As Intel's CEO position has remained unfilled for over two months, recent management changes at GlobalFoundries (GF) have sparked speculation. Dutch media outlet Bits & Chips reported that GF CEO Thomas Caulfield may "parachute" into a leadership role at Intel or its subsidiary, Intel Foundry.
Although Intel Foundry is still awaiting a decision on potential spin-offs, Caulfield resigned as GF CEO on February 5, 2025, to take on the role of chairman, with current chief operating officer (COO) Tim Breen stepping in as his successor. This personnel arrangement seems to pave the way for Caulfield to assume control at Intel.
Given his previous roles at IBM and GF's semiconductor manufacturing division, Caulfield appears to possess suitable qualifications for leading Intel/Intel Foundry.
While Caulfield's resume does not show IC design experience, his academic background is in materials science and engineering. However, Intel's survival in the semiconductor manufacturing industry hinges on the successful commercialization of upcoming 18A and 14A nodes.
Caulfield's emergence aligns with Bloomberg's earlier reports indicating that the US government favors a merger between GF and Intel to further expand the scale of American foundry companies. If Caulfield were to first take charge of Intel and clarify development routes internally, this narrative would fit.
Before Caulfield surfaced, Bernstein semiconductor analysts suggested that Lip-Bu Tan was a candidate many shareholders hoped would succeed as Intel's CEO. Tan previously served on Intel's board but resigned in August 2024 due to disagreements over Intel's foundry strategy.
Former Intel executives unanimously regarded Tan as highly respected and an ideal candidate for the CEO position. A former head of Intel's manufacturing division stated that Tan knows how to turn losses into profits, reshape businesses, and inspire change. He also understands how resistant Intel is to change.
However, according to analysts, Tan currently shows no interest in taking on a leadership role.