In 1968, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore co-founded Intel, after they and Grove left Fairchild Semiconductor. Grove joined on the day of its incorporation, although it was not a founder according to the company. In 1979 he became Intel president, in 1987 its executive director, and in 1997 its executive director and chairman of the board of directors. In May 1998, Grove resigned as CEO, remaining chairman of the board.