Intel shifts executives to speed Pentium 4
The company reshuffles responsibilities inside its microprocessor division to stem the chronic manufacturing problems that have stumped it for more than a year.
The management changes are targeted at improving the coordination between the design and manufacturing groups, said an Intel spokesman. Along with the changes, the group has been given a mandate to accelerate volume production of the Pentium 4 and to ensure a smooth transition of the Pentium III from the 0.18-micron manufacturing process to the more advanced 0.13-micron process, he said.
"They have been given a specific charter for success," said the spokesman, adding that the company wants to "get to volume production faster" with the Pentium 4.
Manufacturing has been an ongoing source of grief for the company for nearly 18 months, leading to recalls, product delays, cancellations and millions of dollars in additional expenses. Release of the Pentium 4 was recently delayed from October to November because of problems, sources said.
Under the new management structure, Mike Splinter has been promoted to executive vice president and general manager of the Technology and Manufacturing Group. Splinter, who has worked at Intel since 1984, has been a senior vice president in the manufacturing division.
In addition, the company said that Paul Otellini will assume sole management of the Intel Architecture Group, which oversees microprocessor development and design. Albert Yu, who has co-managed the group with Otellini, will now take responsibility for Intel's new activities in optoelectronics.