Pat Gelsinger

General Partner at Playground Global · Joined 2025

View Live Interactive Profile →

Biography

Pat Gelsinger's 45-year career shaped modern computing at the highest level - Intel's first CTO, then CEO of both VMware and Intel - before joining Playground Global in 2025 to invest in the next generation of deep-tech and semiconductor founders.

Education

Previous Experience

Board Seats

Career Timeline

2009
Leaves Intel after three decades, including serving as the company's first-ever Chief Technology Officer, to join EMC.
2012
Becomes CEO of VMware, leading its transition to hybrid cloud and software-defined infrastructure.
2021
Steps down as VMware CEO (effective February 12) to become CEO of Intel.
2024
Departs Intel as CEO in December, following struggles with delayed chip generations and stock decline.
2025
Joins Playground Global as a General Partner in March, focusing on semiconductors, and becomes Executive Chair of portfolio company xLight.

Sources & References

CNBC - Gelsinger joins Playground Global ↗VMware SEC 8-K - CEO transition ↗