Paul Otellini, Intel’s CEO, received high praise for his three year push to make the firm important again. In a story by Paul Johnson for the Mercury News the reporter wrote,
Since becoming Intel’s CEO four years ago, Paul Otellini has presided over one of the most dreadful periods in the Santa Clara chip maker’s history.
… When he took control of the company, it was staggering from a string of questionable business ventures and product missteps, and its once high-flying stock began to sag. Then its sales practices came under increasing regulatory scrutiny, recently resulting in a $1.45 billion European antitrust fine. As if that weren’t enough, it got body slammed by one of the nastiest recessions ever.
… But all in all, analysts say, Otellini’s record so far has been impressive.
“About three years ago, half the Street was calling for his head” said Hans Mosesmann of Raymond James & Associates. Today, he added, “I’d give him very high grades. B-plus, A-minus. Pretty darn good considering all the stuff he inherited.”
Otellini deserves all the praise he has received and more. Despite the many difficulties he has faced since taking the reins of the company overall he has managed to perform what many might consider a minor miracle.
