Nvidia Names Colette Kress Interim CEO Following Huang’s Resignation
Nvidia announced on November 12, 2026, that chief financial officer Colette Kress would become interim chief executive following Jensen Huang’s resignation. His departure followed reports of extramarital affairs and ended more than three decades leading the company he helped establish.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and oversaw its development into a major supplier of chips used in artificial intelligence. Growing demand for AI computing helped make Nvidia one of the world’s most valuable companies, with Huang serving as its principal public representative.
Kress has served as Nvidia’s CFO since September 2013. Her previous experience includes financial leadership positions at Cisco and Microsoft, where she worked in the server and tools business. Her appointment places an experienced company executive in charge during the transition.
Analysts quoted in the supplied report generally describe Kress as a credible choice for maintaining continuity. eToro analyst Bret Kenwell pointed to her familiarity with investors through quarterly earnings calls. Dan Ives of Yorkville Ives similarly emphasized her standing inside and outside Nvidia.
Their assessments also distinguish between operational stability and replacing Huang’s broader influence. Wealth Club strategist Susannah Streeter questioned whether Kress could replicate his international commercial relationships. Michael Landsberg of Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management raised concerns about how Nvidia’s approach to innovation might develop without its founder.
DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria said Kress was respected by investors but noted the difficulty of succeeding a leader who had concentrated substantial decision-making authority. These comments reflect expectations and concerns, rather than established outcomes for the business.
Nvidia’s quarterly earnings report, scheduled for November 17, will provide an early opportunity for Kress to address investors. The transition leaves questions about leadership, commercial relationships and strategic direction, while placing responsibility for near-term continuity with an executive familiar with the company’s finances and operations.