Intel Names Sachin Katti as the CTO and AI Chief

Intel has appointed Sachin Katti as its new CTO and head of AI, marking a pivotal leadership shift under newly appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan, according to a report by The Reuters. The move is part of a broader reorganisation Tan is aiming at for decision-making and reinforcing Intel's focus on AI.

Katti, who previously led Intel’s networking and edge computing division, will now oversee the company’s AI strategy, product roadmap, and Intel Labs. He will also manage Intel’s relationships with startups and developer communities. 

This leadership consolidation is a strategic pivot to centralise innovation and accelerate Intel’s AI ambitions, which have struggled to gain traction under previous organisational structures. Previously treated as a sub-unit within Intel’s data centre business, AI initiatives are now getting a dedicated leader at the top.

Katti’s elevation follows the tenure of Greg Lavender, Intel’s former CTO, who served from 2021 to 2025 and focused heavily on software strategy, AI, and confidential computing. 

Historically, Intel CTOs have shaped core technology development, including CPUs, system design, and semiconductor processes. Katti now inherits these responsibilities along with the company's broader AI and edge computing agendas.

In addition to Katti’s appointment, Tan has flattened Intel’s organisational structure to give key technical leaders direct access to the CEO. Rob Bruckner, Mike Hurley, and Lisa Pearce—leaders of major divisions including client architecture, silicon engineering, and GPU/NPU IP—will now report directly to Tan, bypassing previous management layers.

Tan also hinted at an expanded role for Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who previously managed all Intel Products. “I want to roll up my sleeves with the engineering and product teams so I can learn what is needed to strengthen our solutions,” Tan wrote in a message to employees.

In another structural shift, Intel’s new head of government affairs will report directly to Tan, highlighting the increasing strategic importance of global policy and regulatory issues, especially amid ongoing tensions with China. 

Former head Bruce Andrews, a veteran of the Obama administration, exited the company following the US elections in November.