Intel Reportedly Targets Former TSMC Executive Wei-Jen Lo to Lead Foundry R&D

Intel Foundry appears to be plotting another bold move in its long-term race to reclaim semiconductor leadership – by reportedly courting Wei-Jen Lo, a former senior vice president at TSMC who was instrumental in several of the company’s high-end process breakthroughs.

If the rumor proves true, it could mark one of Intel’s most significant talent acquisitions in years, signaling a deep commitment to transforming its foundry division from an underdog to a serious global contender.

According to Taiwan Economic Daily, Intel has approached Lo to lead research and development within its foundry operations. Lo, who retired from TSMC in July 2025, had overseen some of the firm’s most ambitious milestones – including the integration of EUV lithography into production and foundational work on the upcoming 2nm process node. His career trajectory is a unique one: before his long tenure at TSMC, Lo had actually spent nearly 18 years at Intel, giving him a strong familiarity with both sides of the semiconductor battlefield.

However, Lo’s potential move isn’t without major complications. Under Taiwanese law and TSMC’s internal agreements, senior executives are typically bound by a two-year non-compete clause after retirement. That restriction could effectively prevent Lo from joining Intel until at least mid-2027 – unless extraordinary measures are taken. Reports speculate that the U.S. government could play a role in easing legal hurdles if Intel’s pursuit becomes a matter of strategic interest, especially given Washington’s push for domestic chip independence and the billions being funneled through the CHIPS and Science Act.

Industry observers suggest that under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel Foundry is moving toward a more aggressive and globally integrated structure. Structural reforms, leadership reshuffles, and renewed partnerships are part of Tan’s roadmap to modernize the division and compete directly with TSMC and Samsung Foundry. Recruiting a talent like Lo could supercharge Intel’s R&D direction, helping the company accelerate towards advanced manufacturing nodes and rebuild confidence among potential third-party clients.

While the rumor’s credibility sits at a moderate 50% Plausible on the Wccftech scale – based on source strength and corroboration – the potential implications are vast. A Lo-Intel reunion could represent more than just a personnel change; it might symbolize a strategic pivot, one that positions Intel not merely as a chip designer but as a revitalized manufacturing powerhouse ready to challenge Asia’s dominance in semiconductor production.

For now, neither Intel nor TSMC has issued any official comment. Still, even the whisper of this hiring move has generated buzz across the industry. Intel’s strategy seems clear: talent is the new silicon, and winning the people who built the most advanced processes could be just as important as the nodes themselves.