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CFO Colette Kress to engineer Ian Buck - who could succeed Nvidia CEO if he exits?

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Nvidia's board is actively considering leadership alternatives following scrutiny surrounding Jensen Huang's personal relationships. Directors may initially turn to Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress in an interim capacity to reassure investors through the transition. Meanwhile, key figures like CUDA pioneer Ian Buck and Arm Chief Executive Officer Rene Haas are being evaluated for permanent roles. The board has also discussed unusual interim options, including a temporary co-CEO structure.

Key points

  • Jensen Huang's sudden departure would leave the world's most valuable chipmaker without a…: Jensen Huang's sudden departure would leave the world's most valuable chipmaker without an officially named successor.
  • Internal leadership alternatives being discussed extend to thirty-two-year veteran Jeff F…: Internal leadership alternatives being discussed extend to thirty-two-year veteran Jeff Fisher, a co-CEO model, and Huang's two executive children.
  • The company's board has enlisted an external search firm to vet both inside and outside o…: The company's board has enlisted an external search firm to vet both inside and outside options for a stable handover.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Nvidia's board is reportedly weighing the future of CEO Jensen Huang, turning the attention to who could take charge of the world's most valuable chipmaker if the 63-year-old executive is forced out or decides to step down.

Two names have emerged as potential internal successors: Ian Buck, a veteran engineer who helped develop Nvidia's CUDA software platform, and Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress, who has been with the company for more than a decade, reported Reuters, citing internal sources. While Buck is seen as a possible long-term choice because of his technical expertise, Kress is being viewed as a candidate who could provide continuity in the immediate term.

Nvidia's board was meeting on Wednesday to decide whether to oust Huang, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Separately, reports by Bloomberg and Semafor have indicated that the board is considering an interim chief while it looks for a permanent replacement, with some board members favouring Kress for the temporary role.

Huang has never named a successor. The board is also said to be working with an external firm to…

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