diff --git a/cmd/kubeadm/OWNERS b/cmd/kubeadm/OWNERS
index d5e3472f21d..1468e3b8cad 100644
--- a/cmd/kubeadm/OWNERS
+++ b/cmd/kubeadm/OWNERS
@@ -4,12 +4,10 @@ approvers:
   - neolit123
   - SataQiu
   - pacoxu
-  - chendave
 reviewers:
   - neolit123
   - SataQiu
   - pacoxu
-  - chendave
   - carlory
 emeritus_approvers:
   - fabriziopandini
@@ -17,6 +15,7 @@ emeritus_approvers:
   - timothysc
   - rosti
   - ereslibre
+  - chendave
 labels:
   - area/kubeadm
   - sig/cluster-lifecycle