Intel is moving beyond the traditional PC market by integrating its core computing business with the field of physical AI. According to a company announcement, the firm recruited Alex Katouzian as executive vice president and general manager of the newly formed Client Computing and Physical AI Group. Katouzian is tasked with scaling Intel’s silicon into robotics and autonomous machines, shifting the division’s focus toward “edge” opportunities where AI interacts with the physical world.
Katouzian arrives at Intel following a career at Qualcomm, where he oversaw the mobile, compute, and extended reality (XR) business units. During his tenure at the mobile chipmaker, he was a primary driver in scaling the Snapdragon platform and expanding the company’s footprint in the global smartphone and laptop markets. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan stated that Katouzian’s background in building global compute platforms is necessary to reimagine the client group. At Intel, Katouzian will lead the charge in establishing “AI PCs” as the standard for both consumer and industrial applications.
In a parallel move, Intel confirmed Pushkar Ranade as Chief Technology Officer. Ranade, who previously served in an interim capacity, will now oversee the development of quantum computing, neuromorphic hardware, and photonics. He continues his duties as chief of staff to the CEO, a dual role designed to align R&D closely with commercial execution. This leadership overhaul, involving two reports directly to Tan, marks a strategic consolidation of Intel’s engineering and product leadership as it faces intensifying competition in the AI infrastructure sector.