Pat Gelsinger urges prayer and fasting for struggling Intel employees
- Pat Gelsinger invited people to pray and fast for Intel's 100,000 employees during challenging times.
- He resigned from his position as Intel's CEO on December 1, 2024, after three decades with the company.
- Concerns arise over Intel's ability to recover amid significant competition and recent workforce cuts.
In the United States, Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO of Intel, publicly invited people to join him in prayer and fasting for the company's employees, who are facing significant challenges. Gelsinger made this appeal on social media shortly after stepping down from his leadership position on December 1, 2024, after dedicating three decades of service to Intel, including the last four years as CEO. He emphasized the importance of supporting the 100,000 Intel employees as they navigate a difficult time for the chipmaker, which has been adversely affected by rising competition from companies such as Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., alongside a broader industry transformation. The circumstances surrounding Gelsinger's departure come amid Intel's efforts to reposition itself in the highly competitive semiconductor landscape. While the company had initially formulated a four-year turnaround plan aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, Gelsinger's resignation suggests underlying issues that may complicate these efforts. Furthermore, despite receiving substantial financial support through the CHIPS Act intended to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., Intel's workforce was reduced by 15% in August 2024, raising questions about the company's direction and commitment to job creation. In light of the recent developments, two interim co-CEOs have been designated to oversee the company while a search for a new leader is ongoing. The Intel board of directors has formed a search committee and is working diligently to find a permanent replacement for Gelsinger. The challenges faced by Intel, compounded by the stock price dropping over 56% year-to-date, make the prospect of choosing a new leader a critical task to ensure the company's future stability and competitiveness. Gelsinger’s call to action resonates not just within Intel but across the semiconductor industry, highlighting the need for support and resilience among employees in these trying times. As the company navigates this “difficult period,” the sentiment expressed by Gelsinger underscores a collective hope for recovery and renewed strength within a sector that remains vital to the technology landscape globally.