Nvidia Appoints Colette Kress Interim CEO Amid Founder's Departure
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Nvidia has appointed Colette Kress as interim CEO following the resignation of founder Jensen Huang. Kress, who has been with Nvidia since 2013 and served as CFO, played a key role in the company's massive growth. Her compensation in fiscal year 2026 was over $14 million, and her net worth is estimated near $1 billion. The leadership change occurs amid controversy surrounding Huang's departure and aims to restore investor confidence, with a significant focus on Nvidia's operations in Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Colette Kress named interim CEO of Nvidia after founder Jensen Huang's resignation.
- Kress's compensation in FY2026 was approximately $14.34 million, with net worth near $1 billion.
- Nvidia's revenue grew over 50 times to $215.9 billion during Kress's tenure as CFO.
- Huang's departure is linked to reports of extramarital affairs and alleged ties to Chinese espionage.
- Kress faces the challenge of restoring investor confidence and managing Nvidia's R&D in Israel.
- The board is searching for a permanent CEO, while Kress continues as CFO.
Nvidia announced Thursday the appointment of Colette Kress as interim CEO, following the dramatic resignation of founder and CEO Jensen Huang after 33 years. Kress, 59, joined Nvidia in September 2013 as CFO and Senior Vice President. She brought nearly 25 years of financial management experience from tech giants including Microsoft, Cisco, and Texas Instruments.
Kress, who holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, was not initially set on reaching the top management of a major company. In a 2022 interview with Fortune, she stated her career was driven by professional curiosity and a desire to understand various roles within an organization. Her sons' familiarity with Nvidia through their gaming interests also played a role in her connection to the company.
During Kress's tenure, Nvidia's revenue surged from approximately $4.13 billion in her joining year to a record $215.9 billion in fiscal year 2026, a growth of over 50 times. She was instrumental in the company's financial management during its transformation from a graphics card manufacturer to a leader in the artificial intelligence revolution.
In fiscal year 2026, Kress's total compensation package was approximately $14.34 million, including a base salary of $899,000, a $600,000 bonus, and stock awards valued at $12.83 million. Her compensation was higher in the previous fiscal year, totaling $21.36 million. Forbes estimated her personal net worth at $972 million as of November 11, largely due to her Nvidia holdings, which fluctuate with stock prices. In 2026, she was ranked 32nd on Forbes' list of self-made women billionaires in the US.
The appointment comes during a sensitive period for Nvidia, with Huang's departure linked to reports of extramarital affairs, including an alleged relationship with a woman suspected of spying for China. These concerns have impacted investor confidence and led to sharp stock declines. Kress's immediate challenge will be to ensure business continuity and restore market confidence. She also faces a significant test in Israel, where Nvidia has substantial R&D operations, partly due to its acquisition of Mellanox. Decisions regarding investments, hiring, and expansion in Israel could impact the chip giant's local activities.
The Nvidia board has begun searching for a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates. Kress will continue as CFO, while Harvey Jones has been appointed Chairman of the Board. Nvidia is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings on November 17, followed by an all-hands employee meeting on November 18, where management is expected to address the recent turmoil and outline future steps.
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