The sudden, board-driven departure disrupts Intel's ambitious turnaround plan, including its strategy to become a major contract manufacturer and restore American semiconductor leadership. Gelsinger's abrupt departure potentially jeopardizes crucial initiatives and partnerships, which were showing early signs of progress.

The leadership change represents a necessary step toward revitalization. Intel couldn't effectively compete in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip market and lost significant ground to rivals. The chipmaker requires fresh leadership to restore investor confidence and build improved semiconductors that can power the AI boom.

The sudden, board-driven departure disrupts Intel's ambitious turnaround plan, including its strategy to become a major contract manufacturer and restore American semiconductor leadership. Gelsinger's abrupt departure potentially jeopardizes crucial initiatives and partnerships, which were showing early signs of progress.