Intel's Andrew McLean A/NZ on bringing innovation to the world

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Six months into his new role at Intel, Andrew McLean is passionate about how the Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) region will contribute to the semiconductor chip maker’s global growth.

McLean, who spent 18 years at Intel in various sales and channel roles before leaving in 2016, rejoined the business in July as its first A/NZ leader in four years.

He shared Seller news his positive outlook for growth in the A/NZ region, community investment and a return to life at Intel.

Focusing on Intel’s legacy and continued growth, McLean will take advantage of opportunities to lead businesses in the region.

Noting CEO Pat Gelsinger, who recently returned to the business, he said, “What he often cites is that Intel put the ‘silicon’ in Silicon Valley.” It’s the technology that already underpins our communities, our lives and our work environments.”

“My leadership position at Intel puts me in a great position to be a part of this, which is very exciting.”

McLean is positive about continued appetite for tech investment in 2023, particularly in the A/NZ region.

“We have a relatively unique position in the world – we have a strong resources sector, a strong services and education sector, we also have things like renewables that are really starting to take off. I think our economies and communities are in really good shape, and all of that creates an opportunity for growth.

“Part of us [A/NZ team] Intel’s role is to bring creative ideas from this region to the world. It’s something I’m really passionate about and involves working with channels, end customers and government.”

McLean highlighted Intel’s global investments, including the construction of two new chip factories in Ohio, a potential investment of around $80 billion.

“We are looking at the long-term perspective and we are increasing capacity in the future because we are absolutely sure that this capacity will be needed.”

His appointment as a regional leader reflects Intel’s focus on moving resources to the region and to the “edge,” meaning that there are people where the customers and projects are, he said.

Investing in education and community projects is important to McLean, who sees Intel’s place to be involved in the Intel community and develop youth technology skills.

A collaboration between Intel, the University of South Australia and artificial intelligence (AI) developer meldCX has developed an educational program called AI Playground that provides a safe space for school children to experiment with artificial intelligence through play.

Using artificial intelligence, students are building a ‘Mars Rover’ that can take a virtual tour of Mars and will be available in Australian schools in early 2023.

On the future of Intel’s channel, McLean points to a shift away from the traditional resale of processors to integrated services called the Next Unit of Computing (NUC).

“NUCs are very small systems that can be integrated into everything from digital signage to airport baggage handling and medical devices. The market has changed significantly as most of it now focuses on embedded type applications of Intel technology.

“Our focus in this part of the channel is to help them follow innovative uses of technology and build ‘computing’ into more things.”

It’s important for partners to be flexible by adapting to the market, he said. Reshaping offerings based on market needs defines a successful organization.