Intel has announced that Sean Maloney, the chip giant’s executive vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group, will take a medical leave of absence after suffering a stroke at his home.
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) said in a statement released Monday that Maloney’s prognosis for a full recovery is excellent and he is expected to resume all of his business responsibilities after a period of recuperation, which could last for several months.
His duties in the interim will be assumed by David “Dadi” Perlmutter, co-executive vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group along with Maloney. The two took on the combined duty last year after a reorganization that saw his and Perlmutter’s promotions and the departure of veteran executive Pat Gelsinger to EMC.
With the reorg, Maloney was widely considered to be the heir apparent to the CEO position when Paul Otellini retires. Otellini faces mandatory retirement at age 65, according to Intel’s bylaws. He turns 60 this year.
“I visited with Sean and his sense of humor and determination to return to work fill the room” said Otellini in a statement. “We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.”
Prior to his current role, Maloney served as chief sales and marketing officer. He has been with Intel since 1982. He started out with Intel’s UK office, rising to the position of Country Manager of Intel UK and then director of marketing for Intel Europe. He also worked as a technical assistant to former CEO Andy Grove, and led marketing efforts in Asia as well.
Andy Patrizio is a senior editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.