SAN FRANCISCO — Intel President Renée James will step down to seek appointment as chief executive officer elsewhere in a reshuffle that cements CEO Brian Krzanich’s control over the world’s largest chipmaker.
James, based in Hillsboro, Ore., and Intel’s highest-ranking woman, didn’t specify where her next job will be, in a letter to employees Thursday. She had sought the top job two years ago before Intel picked Krzanich. The two executives took over their respective posts in May 2013 after being promoted to executive vice presidents while Intel was looking for a new chief executive.
“When Brian and I were appointed to our current roles, I knew then that being the leader of a company was something that I desired as part of my own leadership journey,” James said in the letter. “Now is the right time for me to take that next step.”
Her departure was announced with other leadership changes that show Krzanich is putting his stamp on the company and parting ways with deputies of his predecessor, Paul Otellini. Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital, will retire in January after a 35-year career with the company. Wendell Brooks, head of mergers and acquisitions, will take an expanded role to also become president of Intel Capital.