Intel’s Craig Barrett rides off into the Montana sunset

HE TOOK SOME GAMBLES, MOST OF THEM PAID OFF

When Intel Chief Executive Craig Barrett steps down Wednesday, he’ll end a seven-year tenure marked by risk-taking moves during Silicon Valley’s biggest boom and bust.

Following Intel tradition, Barrett, 65, will become chairman, replacing the legendary Andy Grove, who was employee No. 4 of the Santa Clara chip giant. Grove will remain with Intel as a senior adviser.

Barrett defied conventional wisdom after the technology crash of 2001 by investing billions of dollars in manufacturing facilities around the world. Wall Street was skeptical, but when demand returned, Intel was ready with cutting-edge chip factories. Barrett also led the company’s expansion into international markets, now a significant source of revenue for Intel. Unlike competitors, Intel never lost money during the downturn.

From the day he joined Intel, Barrett adapted well to the company’s aggressive and fast-moving culture. He is competitive, in both business and at play. He loves a variety of sports, from mountain biking and skiing to the calm of fly fishing at his Montana resort ranch.

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He also plans to spend more time at his Montana ranch. He told analysts at a meeting on May 5, “In two weeks I will be standing in a river in Montana with a fly reel in my hand.”

By Therese Poletti

Mercury News

Full Story: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/11665981.htm