Intel announced that the company’s former CEO and Chairman Andrew S. Grove passed away today at the age of 79.
Andrew was the first hire at Intel, having worked with Intel founder Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore in 1968 at Fairchild Semiconductor. He subsequently became Intel’s President in 1979 and then CEO in 1987. And he also served as the Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 2005.
Both during his time at Intel and in retirement, Andrew was one of the most influential figures in technology and business, writing best-selling books and widely cited articles, and speaking out on an array of prominent public issues.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Intel Chairman and CEO Andy Grove,” said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich. “Andy made the impossible happen, time and again, and inspired generations of technologists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.”
Andrew played a critical role in the decision to move Intel’s focus from memory chips to microprocessors and led the firm’s transformation into a widely recognized consumer brand. Under his leadership, Intel produced the chips, including the 386 and Pentium, that helped usher in the PC era. The company also increased annual revenues from $1.9 billion to more than $26 billion.
“Andy approached corporate strategy and leadership in ways that continue to influence prominent thinkers and companies around the world,” said Intel Chairman Andy Bryant. “He combined the analytic approach of a scientist with an ability to engage others in honest and deep conversation, which sustained Intel’s success over a period that saw the rise of the personal computer, the Internet and Silicon Valley.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook, SalesForce CEO Marc Benoiff, Bill Gates and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella were among the many to pay tribute to the late Andrew Grove on Twitter:
Andy Grove was one of the giants of the technology world. He loved our country and epitomized America at its best. Rest in peace.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 22, 2016
Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Andy Grove, former CEO of @intel. A tremendous positive force on our industry & community.
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) March 22, 2016
I’m sad to hear that Andy Grove has died. I loved working with him. He was one of the great business leaders of the 20th century.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) March 22, 2016
Saddened by the passing of Andy Grove…a pioneer, a leader and a
great teacher— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) March 22, 2016
Andrew Grove and his wife, Eva, were married for 58 years and had two daughters and eight grandchildren.
