Pat Gelsinger, who had been at the helm of chipmaking giant Intel since February 2021, stepped down as CEO on December 1, 2024. Known for his transformative leadership at companies like Intel and VMware, Gelsinger’s departure followed reports that Intel’s board presented him with the choice to retire or face removal through a board vote. Opting to retire, Gelsinger concluded his leadership tenure during a pivotal period for Intel.
Curious to know more about Pat Gelsinger’s story? Our comprehensive coverage delves into his career highlights, net worth, and the circumstances surrounding his departure from Intel. From his early engineering milestones to his strategic leadership roles, we’ve got everything you need to know about one of tech’s most influential figures.
Who is Pat Gelsinger?
Pat Gelsinger, born on March 5, 1961, is an American business executive and engineer renowned for his significant contributions to the technology industry. He began his career at Intel 1979 as a quality-control technician and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in 2001. During his initial tenure at Intel, Gelsinger was instrumental in developing key technologies, including serving as the architect for the i486 microprocessor.
2009, Gelsinger left Intel to join EMC Corporation as President and Chief Operating Officer. He later became the CEO of VMware in 2012, where he transformed the company into a global leader in cloud infrastructure and enterprise mobility. Under his leadership, VMware’s annual revenues nearly tripled.
Gelsinger returned to Intel as CEO in February 2021, aiming to revitalize the company’s position in the semiconductor industry. However, Intel faced significant challenges during his tenure, including falling behind competitors in the artificial intelligence sector and experiencing financial downturns. On December 1, 2024, Gelsinger announced his immediate retirement from Intel. The company appointed David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus as interim co-CEOs while searching for a permanent successor.
Throughout his career, Gelsinger has been recognized for his leadership and innovation in technology. He holds multiple patents and has been a prominent figure in advancing semiconductor technologies. Beyond his professional achievements, Gelsinger is known for his philanthropic efforts and active engagement in discussions about the intersection of faith and work.
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Quick Bio
Here’s a detailed table summarizing Pat Gelsinger’s biography:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Paul Gelsinger |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1961 |
| Age | 63 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Robesonia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Education | – Associate degree from Lincoln Technical Institute – Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University – Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University |
| Career Timeline | – 1979-2009: Various roles at Intel, including architect of the i486 microprocessor and first CTO – 2009-2012: President and COO at EMC Corporation – 2012-2021: CEO of VMware – 2021-2024: CEO of Intel |
| Notable Achievements | – Architect of the i486 microprocessor – Revitalized VMware, tripling its revenue – Returned to Intel as CEO to lead its turnaround efforts |
| Leadership Roles | – CTO at Intel – CEO of VMware – CEO of Intel |
| Patents | Holds multiple patents in semiconductor technologies |
| Publications | Co-author of the book “The Juggling Act: Bringing Balance to Your Faith, Family, and Work” |
| Personal Life | – Married with four children – Devout Christian, advocates integrating faith into work |
Pat Gelsinger Career
Pat Gelsinger, born on March 5, 1961, in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished American engineer and business executive with a career spanning over four decades in the technology industry.
Early Career at Intel (1979–2009)
Gelsinger began his career at Intel in 1979 as a quality control technician after earning an associate degree from Lincoln Technical Institute. He quickly advanced within the company, co-authoring a book on programming the 80386 microprocessor in 1987 and serving as the lead architect for the 80486 processor introduced in 1989. At 32, he became Intel’s youngest vice president. In 2001, he was appointed the company’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO), overseeing technology developments such as Wi-Fi, USB, Intel Core, and Intel Xeon processors.
Leadership Roles at EMC and VMware (2009–2021):
In 2009, Gelsinger left Intel to join EMC Corporation as President and Chief Operating Officer, focusing on information infrastructure products. He then became CEO of VMware in 2012, where he led the company’s growth in cloud computing and virtualization technologies.
Return to Intel as CEO (2021–2024):
Gelsinger returned to Intel as CEO in February 2021, aiming to revitalize the company’s competitiveness in the semiconductor industry. His tenure included plans for significant investments in manufacturing facilities and efforts to catch up with competitors in advanced chip technologies. However, Intel faced challenges during this period, including delays in technology development and increased competition. On December 1, 2024, Gelsinger stepped down as CEO and from the company’s board of directors.
Pat Gelsinger Net Worth
As of December 2024, Pat Gelsinger’s net worth is estimated to be at least $85 million.
Key Components of Pat Gelsinger’s Net Worth:
- Stock Holdings:
- VMware Inc.: Approximately 524,343 shares valued at around $75 million.
- Intel Corp.: Approximately 334,934 shares valued at around $8 million.
- Mobileye Global Inc.: Approximately 145,856 shares valued at around $3 million.
- Compensation:
- In 2021, Gelsinger’s total compensation as CEO of Intel was nearly $180 million, with a significant portion in stock awards.
- In 2023, his compensation increased by 45% to $16.86 million.
These figures are estimates and fluctuate based on stock market conditions and other financial factors.
What is Pat Gelsinger’s height?
Pat Gelsinger is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm).
Who is Pat Gelsinger’s wife?
Pat Gelsinger is married to Linda Gelsinger. The couple has been together for decades and shares a strong bond, raising four children.
What are Pat Gelsinger’s educational qualifications?
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University and a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Following Gelsinger’s departure, Intel appointed CFO David Zinsner and executive Michelle Johnston Holthaus as interim co-CEOs while searching for a permanent successor. The company continues to navigate a competitive landscape in the semiconductor industry, striving to regain its leadership position.
