AI Shake-Up: Intel’s Tech Chief Moves to OpenAI
Intel’s Chief Technology Officer for AI, Sachin Katti, announced his joining of OpenAI. CRN wrote that “We confirm that Greg Lavender has left Intel. We thank Greg for his leadership and contributions to Intel and wish him the best in his new role.”
His decision will bring significant changes in AI technology. In his previous role at Intel, Katti made substantial changes to hardware development by introducing high-performance chips to the market.
His work on AI products since the reorganization in 2025 has maintained Intel’s market progress. OpenAI’s collaboration with Katti ensures that the company is focusing on expanding its in-house expertise. An OpenAI spokesperson stated that “Greg’s expertise in building advanced computing systems will help accelerate OpenAI’s mission.”
According to The Information, “Lavender’s background in cloud computing and hardware is a major asset for OpenAI as it builds out its own AI infrastructure.”
Profile of Sachin Katti and His Role at Intel
Before joining OpenAI, Katti built his reputation not only in the technology field but also in academia. He is a professor at Stanford University with in-depth knowledge about wireless systems. Stephen Nellis, through Reuters, said, “For Intel, Lavender’s departure is a loss… He was central to the chipmaker’s efforts to build a competitive software ecosystem around its AI processors, a critical element in challenging Nvidia’s dominance.”
His work in AI architecture and designing scalable infrastructure has made him a field expert. During his career, Intel introduced Gaudi2 and Falcon Shores, which played a significant role in AI processing. Through these achievements, Katti proved that he is an expert at connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The Wall Street Journal emphasized that “The appointment suggests that OpenAI is trying to build out its infrastructure… as it faces growing competition and looks for ways to secure the computing power necessary to develop and serve its AI models.”
Implications for Intel’s AI Roadmap
After leaving, Sachin Katti, Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan is personally supervising the chips and AI processing tasks. His supervision aims to ensure Intel’s all-high-tech projects perform as well in his presence as in the presence of Katti.
Intel’s taking its time announcing its next Chief Technology Officer, which is creating a sensation in the market. Everyone is curious about the replacement for Katti and the company’s plans for AI projects.
As Katti’s role in developing AI chips was appreciable, his departure may bring challenges for Intel. That’s why Reuters stated that “The hiring of a hardware veteran comes as OpenAI and other AI companies are increasingly considering making their own AI chips to power their massive computing needs.”
Strategic Gains for OpenAI
Katti’s joining OpenAI will benefit the company in multiple ways. The company decided to use his expertise in designing AI chips, optimizing ChatGPT responses, and connecting hardware with software. These initial projects will help improve the system’s performance and reduce costs. It means that OpenAI intends not only to serve with software but to design its own chips. This vertical strategy of managing all production will reduce operational costs, enabling the company to rely on itself rather than outsiders.
