Intel's former CEO, Pat Gelsinger, has slammed the company's recent decline, expressing deep concern over its engineering capabilities. In an interview with the Financial Times, Gelsinger revealed that his return to Intel in 2021 unveiled a more severe issue than anticipated. During his five-year tenure, the company struggled to deliver products on time, losing fundamental engineering disciplines. This revelation sparked a surprising admission: 'We don't know how to engineer anymore!' Gelsinger's frustration is further exacerbated by the Biden administration's 2022 Chips Act, which he had lobbied for extensively. Despite his efforts, the act's implementation has been slow, with no funds disbursed two and a half years later, causing him to exclaim, 'I thought it was hideous!'. The irony is not lost on Gelsinger, as he was forced out of his position by Intel's board, who then appointed his successor, Lip-Bu Tan. Tan's strategy, however, has kept Intel in the manufacturing race, delivering the 18A process node within the original five-year timeframe. Gelsinger acknowledges that his focus on internal management may have overshadowed his oversight of broader strategic direction. He also suggests that a stronger push for semiconductor expertise on the board could have been beneficial.
