Ian King at Bloomberg, reports that when Intel CEO Paul Otellini retires in May, his replacement is likely to come from inside the world's largest chipmaker.

Mr Otellini, speaking at a Sanford C. Bernstein conference, said, "It's not up to me, but I think that's the most likely outcome."

He said that if Intel's board chose an outsider, it would be a risk to the company.

Bringing in someone from outside would take that person two years to be able to understand Intel's systems and culture no matter how talented they are, Otellini said.

"In this environment, why take the risk and take the time?" he said. "So my sense is that they will stay inside."

Mr Otellini, Intel's fourth CEO since its founding in 1968, is leaving Intel three years before the company's mandatory retirement age of 65.