Nvidia CEO succession: Who could replace Jensen Huang if board ousts him?

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has never publicly designated a successor, but two senior executives are emerging as the leading internal candidates to take over if the company's board decides to remove him: veteran engineer Ian Buck and Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress, Reuters reported.

Nvidia's board is meeting on late Wednesday to consider whether to oust Huang, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, as the world's dominant artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker faces reports of two extramarital affairs involving its longtime chief executive. Nvidia did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported board meeting, Reuters reported.

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Huang, who co-founded Nvidia and transformed it from a graphics processor manufacturer into the world's leading AI chip supplier, has become synonymous with the company's identity. His distinctive leadership style, public profile and technological vision have played a central role in its growth into one of the world's most valuable companies.

Concerns about a potential leadership transition have contributed to a $600 billion decline in Nvidia's market value this week, making it the world's second-most valuable company, according to Reuters.

Speculation about possible successors has included Arm CEO Rene Haas, Nvidia veteran Jeff Fisher and even Huang's two children, who hold executive positions at the company. However, analysts and investors are increasingly focusing on Kress and Buck as potential candidates.

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Colette Kress emerges as a potential interim CEO

One possible route for Nvidia's board would be to appoint Kress, who has served as the company's CFO since 2013, as an interim chief executive.

Kress, 59, previously held senior finance positions at Microsoft, Cisco and Texas Instruments. She has also become a familiar face to investors through her regular appearances alongside Huang on Nvidia's quarterly earnings calls.

Semafor reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that some members of Nvidia's board favour appointing Kress as interim CEO.

Her financial experience and familiarity with Nvidia's operations could help reassure investors during a period of uncertainty. However, analysts believe the company may eventually prefer a technology-focused leader for the permanent position.

Ian Buck seen as leading internal technology candidate

Buck, who joined Nvidia in 2004, is emerging as a strong contender for the permanent leadership role because of his contribution to the company's AI technology and software ecosystem, Reuters reported.

He played a significant role in bringing AI computing to Nvidia processors and developing CUDA, the software platform that has helped establish the company's dominance in AI computing by keeping developers and businesses tied to its hardware.

Buck currently leads product development for Nvidia's hyperscale AI business, overseeing AI hardware and software products. He holds a PhD from Stanford University, with research that contributed to the development of his AI-focused software work at Nvidia.

His technical expertise could prove particularly important as Nvidia expands its AI infrastructure and computing businesses.

Prediction market Polymarket showed an 83% probability that Huang would resign or be removed by the end of the year, according to figures cited in the Reuters report. Buck was favoured over Kress in the market's succession predictions, although trading volumes were relatively small.

Arm CEO Rene Haas also in succession conversation

Beyond Nvidia's internal leadership, Haas has emerged as a possible external candidate.

Haas previously worked at Nvidia and has extensive experience in the semiconductor industry, making him a potential choice if the board decides to look outside the company.

A banker involved in semiconductor transactions told Reuters that Haas would be a logical candidate because of his industry profile and understanding of the chip business.

Reuters said it did not immediately receive responses to requests for comment from Kress, Buck and Haas.

Co-CEO structure could be another possibility

Some investors believe Nvidia could consider a shared leadership arrangement rather than immediately appointing a single permanent successor.

Such a structure could pair Kress's financial and operational experience with Buck's technological expertise, allowing the company to maintain continuity while identifying a long-term leader.

This approach could also reduce uncertainty during a potentially sensitive transition, particularly given Huang's central role in shaping Nvidia's technology strategy and corporate identity.

The broader challenge for Nvidia would extend beyond replacing its chief executive. Huang has consistently identified major shifts in computing and positioned the company to capitalise on them, making succession planning particularly important for its long-term competitiveness, Reuters reported.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on inputs from agencies. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)