Harvey C. Jones takes over as NVIDIA’s first-ever Board Chair as the AI chipmaker begins its search for a permanent CEO following Huang’s departure after 33 years
The company has appointed Colette Kress, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as Interim CEO. Kress will retain her existing responsibilities as CFO while overseeing NVIDIA’s operations until a permanent successor is appointed.
NVIDIA’s Board has initiated a search for a new CEO, considering both internal and external candidates as the company navigates a significant leadership change during a period of rapid expansion in artificial intelligence and accelerated computing.
The Board has also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever Chair, establishing a new leadership structure following Huang’s departure.
Kress, who joined NVIDIA in September 2013, has played a central role in the company’s financial management and growth over the past decade. Her experience includes nearly 25 years in finance positions at major technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.
Jones brings more than three decades of experience as a technology executive, entrepreneur and venture investor. His previous leadership roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Synopsys.
Commenting on the transition, Jones expressed confidence in Kress and NVIDIA’s existing executive leadership team.
“Colette has helped lead NVIDIA through a period of extraordinary growth and has a deep understanding of our business, customers, operations and financial position,” said Jones.
He emphasised that the company’s experienced leadership team would continue executing its strategy, maintaining customer commitments and advancing its technology roadmap without interruption.
Kress acknowledged Huang’s contribution to NVIDIA’s development and reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining the company’s momentum.
“NVIDIA’s strength has always come from its people, and together with our leadership team, I am committed to building on the extraordinary foundation Jensen created over the last 33 years,” said Kress.
She added that NVIDIA would remain focused on accelerating innovation in AI and computing while continuing to serve its customers, partners, developers and shareholders.
Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and played a defining role in transforming the company from a graphics processing technology pioneer into one of the world’s most influential AI infrastructure providers. Under his leadership, NVIDIA’s GPUs and accelerated computing platforms became foundational technologies supporting generative AI, high-performance computing and advanced data centre infrastructure.
His departure marks a significant turning point for NVIDIA, whose technology has become central to global AI development and enterprise computing transformation. The leadership transition also places renewed attention on the company’s long-term strategy, succession planning and ability to sustain its technology leadership.
NVIDIA’s Board acknowledged Huang’s contributions, recognising his role in shaping the company’s growth and influence across the technology industry.
The announcement comes ahead of NVIDIA’s third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pacific Time, followed by an earnings conference call at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
The upcoming earnings announcement will provide investors and industry stakeholders with an opportunity to assess NVIDIA’s financial performance and outlook amid the leadership transition.
Source: Tahawul Tech