Who are the possible CEOs for Nvidia? Will an outsider take over from Jensen Huang? Here's the list

Nvidia CEO replacement: Nvidia's board is reportedly considering potential replacements for Jensen Huang after reports of his extramarital relationships has put the longtime CEO's future at the company in question. As Huang has led Nvidia since co-founding the company in 1993, it has left the board with a difficult succession decision if he steps down or is forced out.

The names being discussed include finance chief Colette Kress, data centre head Ian Buck and executives from rival chipmakers Arm and AMD.

According to Bloomberg, the board is working with an outside firm to identify possible successors. While the Financial Times reported that one person working in the company said that it is also considering appointing an interim CEO while searching for a permanent replacement.


The developments follow reports of Huang's relationships with Alice Huang, an executive at Megaspeed International who was reportedly suspected of spying for China, and Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare. The reports have raised questions about Huang's future and the company's lack of a formal succession plan.

Colette Kress could become Nvidia's interim CEO

Nvidia CFO Colette Kress is among the leading internal options, particularly if the board needs an interim chief executive.

Kress joined Nvidia in 2013 after working at Cisco and Microsoft. She is also well known among investors and analysts and has overseen the company's finances during its expansion.

However, Kress doen't have Huang's engineering background or technical knowledge. She is scheduled to host Nvidia's quarterly results call on Tuesday, giving her an important public role as the leadership uncertainty continues.

Jensen Huang successor: Ian Buck is another possible internal candidate

Ian Buck, who heads Nvidia's data centre business, is another name being considered as a potential successor.

Buck has spent two decades at Nvidia and is known for building CUDA, the software platform used by the company's AI chips. Two company sources told the Financial Times that he is highly regarded internally and has the technical knowledge to understand Nvidia's extensive product portfolio.

Unlike Kress, Buck is not part of the company's innermost circle of formal executive officers. However, his engineering experience could make him an option if the board wants a technically experienced leader, as per FT report.

Nvidia's other senior executives include general counsel Tim Teter, operations chief Debora Shoquist and worldwide field operations chief Nick Parker. Teter has played an important role in the company's lobbying efforts in Washington over AI chip exports.

Nvidia CEO succession: Could Nvidia appoint Arm CEO Rene Haas or AMD's Lisa Su

The board could also look outside Nvidia when choosing a permanent successor.

Arm CEO Rene Haas is one possible candidate mentioned by analysts, according to FT. He previously worked at Nvidia, giving him experience with the company before taking charge of Arm.

Another name is Lisa Su, chief executive of Advanced Micro Devices, Nvidia's closest competitor. Su has experience leading a major semiconductor company through a difficult period.

The Financial Times identified Haas and Su as possible external choices. However, neither has been confirmed as a candidate.

An outside appointment would give the board another option if it decides that none of Nvidia's current executives is suitable for the top job.

Could Jensen Huang's children become Nvidia's next CEO

Huang's children, Madison and Spencer, have also been mentioned in discussions about the company's longer-term succession.

Madison joined Nvidia as an intern around six years ago and now holds a senior product marketing position. Two sources told the Financial Times that she had previously been viewed as a potential successor, although not in the immediate future.

She has also accompanied her father on international trips, including his most recent visit to Europe. Spencer Huang also works at Nvidia.

Speaking to Bloomberg last month, Jensen Huang said either of his children would have to earn the CEO position. He also suggested he planned to remain in the role for as long as another 20 years.