Intel has appointed Robin Colwell, a senior former economic advisor to President Donald Trump, as its new Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, signaling a decisive shift toward deeper engagement with Washington policymakers. The appointment, announced on December 15, 2025, comes at a critical moment for the chipmaker following the U.S. government’s historic 10% equity stake in Intel, valued between $8.9 billion and $11 billion, earlier this year.
A Strategic Hire Amid Growing Government Ties
Colwell’s hiring underscores Intel’s need to navigate an increasingly complex political and regulatory environment. With billions in federal support tied to the CHIPS Act and domestic semiconductor manufacturing goals, Intel’s future growth is now closely aligned with U.S. national security, supply chain resilience, and industrial policy priorities.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan described Colwell’s background as “invaluable,” emphasizing her ability to operate effectively at the intersection of government and business. Her appointment reflects Intel’s recognition that policy engagement is no longer optional it is central to corporate strategy.
Robin Colwell’s Policy and Technology Background
Colwell brings extensive experience across the White House, Congress, federal regulators, and the private sector, particularly in technology and telecommunications policy.
Most recently, she served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council (NEC), where she played a key role in shaping economic policy across multiple sectors. During President Trump’s first term (2019–2021), she was a Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, leading interagency initiatives on 5G deployment and supply chain security both critical issues for the semiconductor industry.
Her earlier roles include serving as Chief Counsel for Communications and Technology on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and as Chief of Staff to FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly. In the private sector, Colwell was most recently a Principal at the BGR Group, a major Washington lobbying firm.
Intel’s “Pivot to Washington”
As SVP of Government Affairs, Colwell will lead Intel’s global engagement with regulators and policymakers from its Washington, D.C. office. Her mandate includes navigating trade policy, manufacturing incentives, export controls, and national security requirements tied to Intel’s ambitious $100 billion U.S. expansion plan.
Broader Leadership Reshuffle
Colwell’s appointment is part of a wider executive shakeup under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. James Chew was named VP of Intel Government Technologies to oversee federal contracts, while Annie Shea Weckesser joined as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. Pushkar Ranade was promoted to Interim CTO following Sachin Katti’s departure to OpenAI.
By bringing a seasoned West Wing veteran into its leadership team, Intel is positioning itself to align closely with America’s domestic manufacturing agenda ensuring strong federal backing as it reshapes the future of U.S. semiconductor production.
