This week has been characterized with various executive appointments and re-shuffling. Leading chipmaker Intel is the latest to make significant executive changes as it announced that longtime executive Andy Bryant will be its new chairman, effective May 2012.

In preparation for the transition, Intel’s board is temporarily expanded from 10 to 11 and elected Andy Bryant as the new vice chairman.  In the meantime, Andy Bryant is expected to work with the outgoing chairman, Jane Shaw, until she retires on May 2012.

“The board welcomes the addition of Andy Bryant to its ranks and looks forward to his service as the next chairman,” said Shaw, non-executive chairman.  “His deep knowledge of Intel and his unmatched wisdom will serve the company well.”

Andy Bryant has worked for Intel since 1981. He once served as the company’s chief financial officer for 13 years and recently a senior executive responsible for Technology and Manufacturing Group, Information Technology, Human Resource and Finance. He now holds the title of executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Prior to his stint at Intel, he held positions in finance at Ford and Chrysler.

Hopefully, this change could boost the Intel’s growth. Intel has been doing well so far despite the rapid growth of smartphones and tablets sales.  But it’s going to be a tough transition to the mobile space as Intel loses out on slowing PC sales, and faces competition from other chipmakers that have taken the mobile industry by storm.

Recently, the company received a $295 million grant from the Israel government. The grant could supplement the company’s $1.4 billion expansion project in Israel. Currently, Intel has a factory in Kiryat Gat and plans to build a new assembly plant in the north. Aside from the grant, Intel would also receive various tax benefits to encourage further investment. In return, Intel is expected to hire 1,500 additional workers in Kiryat Gat and 600-1000 new workers in the north.

This week has been filed with major staff changes in the tech industry. Some companies wanted to enhance growth, so they hired experienced executives. Like virtualization solutions provider Citrix, which hires three new vice presidents.  Enterprise solutions provider SAP also joined into the mix by hiring Kevin Nix as the new head of its OnDemand business. On the other hand, there also some changes aimed in restructuring a company through layoffs. AOL sent out a memo informing the dismissal of three executives. On a much wider scale than AOL, smartphone maker RIM started to layoff 2,000 workers this week.