Name:
Sandra L. Rivera
Role:
CEO of Altera (an Intel Company); Former Executive Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Data Center and AI Group.
Net Worth:
As of March 2025, Sandra Rivera’s net worth is estimated at $7 million.
Profile Overview:
Sandra Rivera is an American engineer, business executive, and one of the most influential leaders in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries. Currently serving as the CEO of Altera, an Intel subsidiary focused on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), Rivera has had a distinguished career at Intel spanning over two decades. Known for her leadership in AI strategy and data center technologies, she has been instrumental in driving Intel’s efforts to compete in the rapidly evolving AI and chip markets. TIME Magazine recognized her as one of the most influential figures in AI in 2023.
Bio:
Sandra Rivera was born to Colombian immigrant parents and grew up in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Rivera began her career in telecommunications, co-founding The CTI Authority and serving as president of its computer telephony division at Catalyst Telecom.
In 2000, Rivera joined Intel as a marketing director following Intel’s acquisition of Dialogic Corporation. Over the years, she held several leadership roles at Intel, including leading the Network Platforms Group from 2015 to 2019, where she drove the transformation of network infrastructure to Intel-based solutions. From 2019 to 2021, she served as Intel’s Chief People Officer, overseeing global human resources and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
In 2021, Rivera became Executive Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Data Center and AI Group. She spearheaded the development and rollout of products like the Gaudi AI accelerator chips, which were designed to compete with Nvidia’s GPUs in the AI market. In 2023, she transitioned to her current role as CEO of Altera, focusing on FPGA technologies used across industries such as data centers, communications, automotive, aerospace, and defense.
Sandra Rivera’s Role in Artificial Intelligence:
Sandra Rivera has been a key figure in shaping Intel’s AI strategy. As General Manager of the Data Center and AI Group, she led efforts to position Intel as a major player in AI hardware by developing products like the Gaudi2 AI accelerator chips. These chips were designed to offer better price-performance alternatives to Nvidia’s GPUs and were well-received in markets seeking competitive options.
Rivera also oversaw Intel’s overall AI roadmap, focusing on integrating AI capabilities across its product portfolio. Her leadership extended beyond technology development to navigating geopolitical challenges, such as launching tailored versions of AI products for international markets while adhering to U.S. export restrictions.
Nationality:
American
Age:
53 years old (as of March 21, 2025).
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
Sources of Wealth:
- Intel Corporation: Leadership roles spanning over two decades.
- Altera: CEO role driving FPGA innovations.
- The CTI Authority: Co-founder and president.
- Board Memberships: Member of Equinix’s board of directors.
- Public Speaking & Advisory Roles: Contributions to engineering advisory boards like UC Berkeley.
Random Fact:
Sandra Rivera credits her success to her unique perspective as a Latina woman in tech and often emphasizes how being different allowed her to stand out and make an impact. Sandra Rivera’s career reflects her ability to lead transformative initiatives across technology sectors while advocating for inclusivity and ethical innovation. Her work continues to shape advancements in semiconductors and artificial intelligence globally.
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