Intel weighs foundry spinoff as leadership crisis deepens post-Gelsinger Intel faces a pivotal moment following CEO Pat Gelsinger's unexpected retirement announcement, with industry sources suggesting a potential separation of its struggling foundry division as a strategic solution. While history offers parallel recovery stories through Apple's resurrection under Steve Jobs and AMD's transformation led by Lisa Su, Intel's immediate challenge lies in securing new leadership, potentially from TSMC's veteran pool including JK Wang, to revitalize its manufacturing operations. The semiconductor giant must balance profitability with increased TSMC outsourcing while seeking US government support to advance process technologies and attract external clients, though experts note the company's design division remains strong despite manufacturing setbacks.