Intel executive VP Sean Maloney, who was named to a key leadership position in a recent shakeup of the company's senior management, has suffered a stroke and is on medical leave.

Maloney, who some analysts believe is the front-runner to one day succeed chief executive Paul Otellini, suffered the stroke at his home last week. He is expected to make a full recovery and resume his full responsibilities after a period of recuperation that's expected to last several months.

Otellini said in a statement that he had visited Maloney and "his sense of humor and determination to return to work fill the room."

Otellini continued, "We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return."

Maloney was named executive VP and general manager of business operations of the Intel architecture group last September. Also named executive VP were Dadi Perlmutter, who focuses mostly on technology in the Intel architecture group, and Andy Bryant, who is in charge of Intel's manufacturing operations. The Intel architecture group is responsible for the company's major products.

Maloney, 53, has held several positions at Intel, including chief sales and marketing officer. He has been a key steward of Intel's push into mobile computing and wireless technology, particularly Wi-Fi and WiMax. The latter is just starting to gain some traction in the United States.

While Maloney is seen by some industry observers as a CEO-in-waiting, Otellini has shown no signs of leaving the post that he has held since 2005. Otellini has earned kudos for a steady leadership style that has steered Intel toward more growth markets from a maturing PC market dominated by Intel processors. Otellini, 59, is six years from Intel's mandatory retirement age of 65.