Intel Senior Vice President Kevin O’Buckley is resigning as general manager of foundry services to join competitor Qualcomm. O’Buckley will lead semiconductor operations at Qualcomm, reporting directly to the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Market analysts have flagged the high-level exit as a near-term execution and governance risk for Intel’s foundry ambitions. The foundry division serves as the cornerstone of Intel’s long-term strategy to compete in the global chip manufacturing market.
Naga Chandrasekaran will now assume leadership of the entire foundry segment. The transition occurs as Intel works to establish industry trust and momentum for its third-party manufacturing services.