Intel Foundry Actively Pursues Former TSMC Executive Behind Taiwanese Giant’s High-End Chip Success

Understanding Our Rumor Rating System

0-20%: Unlikely – Lacks credible sources 21-40%: Questionable – Some concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence 61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence 81-100%: Highly Likely – Multiple reliable sources

Current Rumor Assessment Rating: 50%

Source Reliability: 3/5 Corroboration Level: 2/5 Technical Validation: 2/5 Timeline Accuracy: 3/5

Recent reports suggest that TSMC’s former Senior Vice President (SVP), who played a pivotal role in the company’s cutting-edge chip technologies, is being courted by Intel Foundry. This potential recruitment could signal a major move for the American semiconductor giant.

Intel’s Strategy: Aiming for a Resurgence in the Semiconductor Realm

Since the leadership transition, Intel has been aggressively focusing on its chip manufacturing capabilities. Under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, the company’s foundry division is determined to establish a notable presence in the competitive semiconductor market. This strategy involves significant structural modifications, including changes in management hierarchy and methodologies tailored to specific chip production processes. According to a report by Taiwan Economic Daily, Intel has made overtures to former TSMC SVP Wei-Jen Lo, seeking his expertise to spearhead its foundry research and development initiatives.

Before delving deeper, it is crucial to consider the context regarding the mobility of TSMC executives to competing organizations. Wei-Jen Lo, who retired in July 2025, is bound by a non-compete clause that restricts him from joining rival firms such as Intel for two years. Given Lo’s significant role during his tenure at TSMC, there may be considerable reluctance from TSMC to release him. However, should Intel’s pursuit by CEO Lip-Bu Tan prove sincere, there is speculation that the U. S.government might play a role in facilitating this transition.

Intel CEO Announcement — Image Credits: Intel

Throughout his career, Wei-Jen Lo has been instrumental in advancing TSMC’s technological benchmarks, including the rollout of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography techniques and contributions to projects involving the latest 2nm process technology. His potential addition to Intel could provide a significant competitive edge as he brings prior experience from an 18-year stint at Intel before his tenure at TSMC.

As of now, this information remains a rumor with no formal confirmations from either TSMC or Intel regarding Lo’s potential appointment. Nonetheless, Intel appears committed to reinventing its foundry division by recruiting top-tier talent to bolster its chip production ambitions.

Source & Images