There is a lot of buzz in the market that former TSMC senior deputy general manager Luo Weiren may return to Intel and take charge of the technology department, although Intel has stated its position and pointed out that it does not comment on market rumors. Moreover, market participants also said that Luo Weiren, who has just retired, is unlikely to work at Intel under a non-compete clause. However, market news pointed out that this personnel case seems to have the involvement of the US government. Once confirmed, the final outcome of the personnel case will be different.
Previous market news pointed out that Luo Weiren is considered a key figure in promoting TSMC's high-end chip technology breakthrough. He has promoted the mass production of advanced processes and successfully introduced key EUV lithography exposure technology. He also further established the 7×24 R&D center to accelerate the introduction of technology into mass production. In addition, the "One-Team" collaboration model was also promoted during his tenure, and its model integrates R&D and production processes. In addition, he was involved in important planning in terms of equipment investment and technology decisions. Therefore, the market expects that if the recruitment is successful, it will be of great help to Intel's revitalization of its wafer foundry.
Even though most market participants currently believe that due to the non-compete clause and the fact that the previous 2-nanometer leak incident broke out not long ago, Luo Weiren, a veteran of TSMC, should not choose to go to Intel at this time. What's more, Intel is very different from TSMC in terms of advanced process technology, and it is difficult for Luo Weiren to directly apply the previous model. In addition, if only Luo Weiren is taken away, unlike when Liang Mengsong defected to Samsung and brought hundreds of people with guns to defect, many complex process technical details were found on wafer foundries. In the end, not only may he not be able to command the original Intel team, but he will also be unable to further promote the progress of the overall technology.
However, another group of market participants said that Intel is actively recruiting key talents to help realize the company's chip manufacturing ambitions. Therefore, Intel's pursuit of former TSMC executives clearly demonstrates the company's "desire" to achieve a "comeback" in the chip industry. In fact, Intel CEO Chen Liwu has publicly stated that the US government's shareholding is a "deliberate move" to promote Intel's return. He compared this with Taiwan's support for TSMC, which highlights Intel's strategic importance at the national level and also represents the possibility of US government intervention in this personnel case.
Secondly, Luo Weiren was responsible for many important milestones during his tenure at TSMC, making him a huge asset in the eyes of Intel. These include the introduction of EUV equipment, the promotion of the 2-nanometer normalization plan, and the key role in promoting the chip technology of this Taiwanese foundry giant. It is worth noting that Luo Weiren worked for Intel for a period of time before joining TSMC, so he has the background and possibility to rejoin Intel.
However, this talent actually faces significant layers of obstacles. The first is the non-compete clause. Luo Weiren will retire from TSMC in July 2025. According to the regulations, he is subject to a two-year time-out clause that prohibits him from working for competitors such as Intel for two years after his retirement. Secondly, there is resistance from TSMC. Since Luo Weiren held a key position during his tenure, TSMC will definitely make a reluctance to express his unwillingness to play the role, which may prevent Luo Weiren from switching to Intel. And finally, the impact on reputation. Because of the complexities involved, Luo Weiren's personal reputation in Taiwan may be damaged if he changes jobs.
However, some market participants pointed out that if Intel CEO Chen Liwu is serious about recruiting Luo Weiren, the US government may also intervene in the matter. The potential involvement of the government shows the national strategic significance and fierce competition behind this talent recruitment operation. However, as of now, this case is still in the hearsay stage. Neither TSMC nor Intel have made any announcements confirming Luo Weiren’s joining. Still, the rumor reflects Intel taking a new, more aggressive approach to growing its foundry unit, focusing on recruiting key talent to achieve its goal of industrial revitalization.