Justin Rattner is stepping down as chief technology officer and director of Intel Labs.  Mr. Rattner’s transition is required under Intel’s corporate bylaws, which mandates a retirement age of 65.

Mr. Rattner will take a personal leave immediately “to deal with a pressing family matter”, said Intel in a statement. He will return to the company at a later date in a yet-to-be determined role.

Intel Labs will report to Intel president Renée James for the time being.

Mr. Rattner joined Intel in 1973, and was named its first principal engineer in 1979, its fourth Intel Fellow in 1988 and was in the first group of Intel Fellows to be named Senior Fellow in 2001.  

Mr. Rattner is also a trustee of the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, and serves as Intel’s executive sponsor for Cornell University where he is a member of the external advisory board for the School of Engineering.

[Image courtesy: Intel]