Intel EVP Maloney suffers stroke, takes several months leave

Intel executive vice president Sean M. Maloney has suffered a stroke and will take a medical leave of absence lasting several months, the chipmaker said Monday.

Maloney, a general manager of Intel's Architecture group, is widely viewed as a contender to eventually take over as the company's chief executive. Intel said Maloney is expected to make a full recovery. He "is expected to resume all of his business responsibilities after a period of recuperation which is thought to be several months," the company said in a statement.

Executive vice president, Dadi Perlmutter, will take over Maloney's duties temporarily.

Intel is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission for alleged anticompetitive practices. Chief executive Paul Otellini, meanwhile, has been a vocal proponent of White House goals to boost investments in technology and other highly skilled industries.

"I visited with Sean and his sense of humor and determination to return to work fill the room," Otellini said in a statement. "We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return."

Last week, Otellini announced a long-term commitment to the nation's high-tech sector. Intel and venture capitalists said they would invest $3.5 billion in U.S. companies. He said 17 companies including Intel would hire 10,500 college graduates in 2010.