Intel has announced a significant shake up to the company's top line, headlined by the departure of core chip boss Pat Gelsinger to join storage firm EMC.

The news comes just a week before the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, which Gelsinger helped to create and where he is now set to deliver his last keynote speech in his 30-year tenure at the company.

Gelsinger, who leaves as senior vice president and co-general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, and once held the title of chief technology officer, has been instrumental in Intel's chip development over the years and has been a very public face for the company.

Also set to leave is Bruce Sewell, Intel's general counsel. He will be replaced in the interim by Suzan Miller, currently deputy general counsel.

"We thank Pat and Bruce for many years of service to Intel and wish them well in their future endeavours," said Intel chief executive Paul Otellini.

Intel is also reorganising its structure, creating the Intel Architecture Group (IAG) which brings together all its major product divisions. IAG will be co-managed by Sean Maloney, who will look after business and operations, while Dadi Perlmutter will lead product development and architecture.

Meanwhile, the Technology and Manufacturing Group, which handles Intel's global manufacturing business, will now report to Andy Bryant, Intel's chief administrative officer and an executive vice president.

Several new business groups will exist under the new IAG umbrella, focusing on different aspects of the business. These include the PC Client Group, the Data Centre Group, the Visual Computing Group, the Ultra Mobility Group, the Embedded and Communications Group, and the Digital Home Group.

Intel said that the changes will help Otellini spend less time on day-to-day affairs, and allow him to focus more on corporate strategy and driving growth initiatives.