Former Intel CEO Paul Otellini dies at 66

Paul Otellini, former CEO and 40-year veteran of Silicon Valley chip maker Intel, died at 66, the company announced Tuesday.

Intel said Otellini passed away in his sleep on Monday. He joined Intel in 1974, working his way up to the CEO role in 2005.

Intel said during Otellini's eight-year tenure as CEO, the company generated more revenue than it did during the company’s previous 45 years.

"He was the relentless voice of the customer in a sea of engineers, and he taught us that we only win when we put the customer first," said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich in a statement.

Otellini retired in 2012, as Intel and other PC companies faced challenges with the shift to mobile. Krzanich replaced him as Intel's chief executive in 2013.

Otellini is survived by his wife and two kids.

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