A Intel should have focused on artificial intelligence instead of trying to become a contract chipmaker, said Morris Chang, the founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) this Monday (9), when commenting on the departure of Intel’s executive president. At an event launching his autobiography, he stated that he does not know why Pat Gelsinger left Intel, but that it seemed that the North American company was looking for a new strategy, as well as a new chief executive.
Gelsinger was forced to leave Intel earlier this monthafter directors felt their expensive and ambitious plan to turn around Intel wasn’t working and progress was slow.
The now former CEO had enjoyed a career at the company, before leaving and, years later, returning to take on the highest position. He arrived with a complicated mission: to restore the company’s leadership in making computer chips for other companies, a business model known as “foundry.”
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Intel lost its leadership in this market to TSMC — currently the largest contract chipmaker in the world.
“I don’t know why Pat resigned. I don’t know if his strategy was bad or if he didn’t execute it well… Compared to AI, he seemed to focus more on chip manufacturing. Of course, it now looks like (Gelsinger) should have focused on AI.”
MORRIS CHANG, FOUNDER OF TSMC
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“Currently, they don’t even have a new strategy or a new chief executive. Finding both is very difficult,” he added.
Intel did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Setting lofty ambitions for manufacturing and AI capabilities among major customers, Intel lost or canceled contracts under Gelsinger and also offended TSMC, with Chang calling him “a little rude,” according to a Reuters report in October.
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