Nvidia has initiated a search for a new chief executive following the departure of co-founder and longtime CEO Jensen Huang, who resigned this week after facing multiple allegations of extramarital affairs. The semiconductor company immediately appointed Colette Kress, its chief financial officer, to serve as interim CEO while the board considers potential permanent replacements.
Kress, 59, has been with Nvidia since 2013 and oversaw the company’s transformation from a video game chip manufacturer into a major artificial intelligence powerhouse valued at approximately $4 trillion. Prior to joining Nvidia, she held finance positions at Texas Instruments, Microsoft, and Cisco. Those familiar with her describe Kress as providing a contrasting management style to Huang’s more confrontational approach. Board chair Harvey C Jones expressed confidence in her leadership, noting her deep knowledge of the company’s operations and financial position.
The search for Huang’s permanent replacement includes both internal and external candidates. Potential successors mentioned include Ian Buck, who manages Nvidia’s AI hardware and software divisions and has been with the company since 2004; Rene Haas, current CEO of Arm Holdings and a former Nvidia vice president; and Lisa Su, CEO of rival chipmaker AMD. Huang’s children, both of whom work at the company, are not considered to have sufficient experience for the role.
Industry observers have raised questions about whether Kress, as a finance executive, can maintain the technological risk-taking that drove Nvidia’s rise in the AI sector. Some analysts suggested the interim appointment serves primarily to stabilize markets while the board conducts a broader search. Kress will serve as both CEO and interim CFO until a permanent successor is named.
The transition occurs as Nvidia prepares to report third-quarter earnings next Tuesday. The company’s leadership situation carries significant implications for the broader artificial intelligence industry, as Nvidia’s chips are central to AI development globally.
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