Of all the processor manufacturers, Intel does seem to be the one which is finding it hardest to establish its place in the mobile market. While Samsung, Huawei and LG, all have their own devices to showcase their processor capabilities, Intel does not. Likewise, Qualcomm is relatively the go-to manufacturer for many smartphone brands, just as MediaTek has become for a number of Chinese and mid-range brands. Again, leaving Intel with little room to find their position and this is in spite of the company making it clear how much they would like to get more involved in the mobile chip sector.
On that note, an interesting announcement came out of Intel today and it could be one which provides some insight into the workings of the mobile chip division going forward. The announcement from Intel came as a joint release from Dr. Venkata “Murthy” Renduchintala and Brian Krzanich. While the later is the known CEO of Intel, the former is a hire who arrived from Qualcomm a few months back and is now President of the ‘Client and Internet of Things (IoT) Businesses and Systems Architecture Group’. A group which was specifically formed upon Renduchintala’s arrival and includes aspects like the ‘Client Computing Group’ and their ‘Internet of Things Group’. Of which, the announcement today detailed that Kirk Skaugen and Doug Davis are both leaving the company. The two SVPs for the two Client and Internet of Things (IoT) Businesses and Systems Architecture Group sub-sections mentioned.
As a result, it is hard to ignore the relationship between these two aspects. The fact that shortly after Renduchintala’s arrival at Intel, two of the SVPs of groups within Renduchintala broader division are leaving does suggest that this is part of a bigger shakeup that the ex-Qualcomm hire is looking to bring about. Especially as Skaugen’s department was focused on the mobile chip side of things. Of course, whether this is the extent to the shakeup or whether this will lead to most announcements in the near future, remains to be seen. Especially as it is not the only Intel mobile-related departure that has been talked about recently. However, the announcement does detail that Davis is retiring and Skaugen from April 8th is moving from Intel to an unspecified “next career opportunity.” Following which, Navin Shenoy will take over the Client Computing Group.