Intel on Wednesday explained why its board of directors chose Michelle Johnston Holthaus, a longtime sales and channel leader within the company, as interim co-CEO and CEO of the Intel Products Group.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired, the struggling chipmaker said Monday in a surprise announcement. Two company executives, David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, will act as interim co-CEOs while the company searches for a replacement for Gelsinger, who also stepped down from the company's board.

Shake up in Silicon Valley. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger announces immediate retirement with the company naming two interim co-CEOs to lead the chipmaker. He started at Intel in 1979 and was its first chief technology officer.