KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 -- Lip-Bu Tan may not be a household name, but the seasoned executive and venture capitalist has long been a key figure in the global semiconductor industry.

Now, as Intel's newly appointed chief executive, the 65-year-old faces the monumental challenge of steering the iconic but struggling chipmaker back to dominance.

While relatively unknown to the public, Tan commands deep respect in the tech world. He has built a reputation for backing and leading companies that have reshaped the semiconductor landscape, and his efforts will be closely watched as the US seeks to bolster domestic chipmaking.

From his early days in Muar to the helm of Intel, here's a look at Tan's journey:

Early life and education

Building a ...