Intel has made a significant move to bolster its executive team by hiring veteran chip architect Eric Demers. The company aims to challenge Nvidia's dominance in the artificial intelligence market with this strategic appointment.
Eric Demers Takes Charge of GPU Engineering
Eric Demers will lead Intel's GPU engineering division. He brings extensive experience from his previous roles as Senior Vice President at both Qualcomm and AMD. Demers spent nearly fourteen years at Qualcomm, where he led engineering efforts for the Adreno GPU architecture.
Demers Shares Personal Connection to Intel
Demers announced his new position on LinkedIn, sharing two personal memories of Intel. "As a teenager, I didn't have pictures of bands on my walls," he wrote. "I had a picture of an Intel 80386 processor die!" He also recalled interviewing with Intel in 1991 while at Cornell, though he didn't receive an offer at that time.
The veteran chip architect described how a conversation with his wife Esther during a mountain trip prompted him to consider long-term plans. "She asked me, 'What's our 10-year plan?'" Demers shared. "It resonated so strongly in me!"
Impressed by Intel's Leadership and Vision
Demers revealed he has met several times with Intel's Lip-Bu Tan over recent months. "I've been impressed by him," he stated. "Charming, intelligent and clearly strategic in his views on Intel." He noted the confidence and upbeat attitude among Intel leaders despite transitional events in 2025.
"Everyone was friendly and I got a real sense of welcome and general excitement," Demers wrote about his interactions with Intel teams. "That has got me also excited about working at the new Intel and participating in this continued turnaround."
Second High-Profile Hiring for Intel
Demers represents Intel's second major executive hiring in recent months. The chip giant previously brought on TSMC veteran Lo Wen-jen last year. The 75-year-old executive was responsible for corporate strategy at TSMC before his retirement in July.
Lo Wen-jen played a key role in research and technology development at TSMC. He facilitated mass production of cutting-edge chips, including those used for AI accelerators. His expertise adds to Intel's growing talent pool as the company positions itself more competitively in the semiconductor industry.
Starting a New Chapter
Demers will begin working remotely next week while recovering from shoulder reconstructive surgery in November. He plans to visit various Intel teams as his recovery progresses. "I find myself like I was 14 years ago, excited for a new adventure!" he expressed about joining Intel.
The hiring comes at a crucial time for Intel as it seeks to regain ground in the competitive AI chip market. With Nvidia currently dominating this space, Intel's strengthened engineering leadership signals serious intent to compete more effectively.
