In a world increasingly powered by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, few names resonate with quiet yet extraordinary leadership as deeply as Naga Chandrasekaran. Today, as the Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, and General Manager of Intel Foundry Technology and Manufacturing, Dr. Chandrasekaran is not just leading operations—he is orchestrating a bold future for the global semiconductor ecosystem.
His rise from humble beginnings in India to the helm of one of the world’s most influential chipmaking giants is a powerful story of resilience, intellect, and relentless ambition. It is a journey that redefines leadership in the AI age—and marks the dawn of a new chapter for Intel Foundry and the entire semiconductor industry.
Naga Chandrasekaran: A Foundation Forged in Excellence
Naga Chandrasekaran’s educational journey is a testament to his insatiable appetite for knowledge. Starting with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras (Sathyabama University), he went on to earn both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University.
Refusing to stop there, he further acquired a Master’s in Information and Data Science from UC Berkeley, combining deep engineering acumen with the language of data and AI. His dual Executive MBAs from UCLA Anderson and the National University of Singapore round out a portfolio of elite, global education credentials—each serving as a pillar for his far-reaching leadership.
This rare blend of technical, managerial, and data-driven knowledge became his signature strength—powering a career that would impact the core of the digital world.
From Engineer to Visionary: Two Decades at Micron
Before stepping into the global spotlight at Intel, Chandrasekaran spent more than two decades at Micron Technology, starting as a CMP Development Engineer in 2001 and eventually rising to Senior Vice President of Technology Development. His leadership spanned critical areas: from advanced memory scaling to packaging technologies and emerging tech solutions, building Micron’s innovation engine while shaping the future of memory.
Notably, he helmed teams responsible for the transition of R&D into mass manufacturing, leading with both precision and purpose. He also drove key initiatives in solar, LED, and display R&D, showcasing his foresight into diversified technology frontiers long before they became mainstream.
At Micron, Chandrasekaran became known not only for his technical mastery but also for his ability to mobilize large organizations with an entrepreneurial mindset—empowering cross-functional teams to pursue ambitious goals while maintaining excellence in execution.
Naga Chandrasekaran: A New Era Begins – Joining Intel to Lead Foundry Transformation
In 2024, Naga Chandrasekaran Intel Foundry welcomed him as its new Chief Global Operations Officer, reporting directly to CEO Pat Gelsinger. A year later, he was elevated to his current role—overseeing the entire Foundry Technology and Manufacturing organization. With this move, Intel made a bold commitment: to place its manufacturing future in the hands of a seasoned innovator and global operations strategist.
Under Chandrasekaran’s leadership, Intel Foundry is now at the forefront of the AI computing revolution. The organization encompasses not just silicon logic development and packaging innovation but also Fab Sort Manufacturing, Assembly Test Manufacturing, strategic planning, corporate quality, and global supply chain resilience. His mandate is massive—but so is his impact.
Driving the Systems Foundry Vision for the AI Era
As semiconductors become the bedrock of every industry—from healthcare and automotive to defense and consumer tech—Intel Foundry’s role is more crucial than ever. The mission is clear: to create the world’s first systems foundry, integrating silicon, software, packaging, and services to serve the needs of an AI-first world.
Naga Chandrasekaran is not just executing this vision—he is shaping its contours. His approach is defined by:
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Strategic foresight to align R&D investments with market shifts
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Operational excellence in global fab management
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Commitment to diversity and inclusion as innovation drivers
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Relentless focus on sustainability and safety as core values
In his own words, he is “passionate about working in technology and products, building talent pipelines, influencing the semiconductor ecosystem, and supporting the communities where we operate.”
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