Colette Kress’s wealth is estimated at approximately $750 million as of November 2026, based on the reported market value of her NVIDIA stock holdings. Forbes previously valued her wealth at approximately $1.2 billion in June 2026, illustrating how changes in NVIDIA’s share price can affect her estimated fortune. Kress, who joined NVIDIA in 2013 as CFO, was appointed interim CEO on November 12, 2026, following Jensen Huang’s resignation. NVIDIA’s fiscal 2026 proxy statement reported her total compensation at approximately $14.34 million.
The latest developments surrounding NVIDIA have brought renewed attention to Colette Kress net worth, particularly after the company’s announcement on November 12, 2026, appointing her interim chief executive officer (CEO). Kress, who served as NVIDIA’s executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) from September 2013, has become one of the most financially successful women in the technology industry through her executive career and NVIDIA stock holdings.
As of November 2026, Reuters reported that her NVIDIA shares were worth approximately $750 million, based on the market price at the time of its November 12 report. Forbes had previously estimated her wealth at $1.2 billion on June 3, 2026, on its America’s Richest Self-Made Women list. These figures are time-sensitive estimates, not an official declaration of her complete personal net worth. Reuters+1
Her financial success is particularly interesting because much of her reported wealth is connected to company equity rather than just her annual executive salary.
NVIDIA’s 2026 proxy statement disclosed that Kress received approximately $14.34 million in total compensation for fiscal 2026. The filing also documented millions of NVIDIA shares beneficially owned by her.
With her new interim CEO position, Kress has moved into an even more influential leadership role at the company, making her career, stock ownership and compensation important subjects for investors and technology industry observers.
What Is Colette Kress Net Worth in 2026?
LATEST REPORTED STOCK-WEALTH ESTIMATE
$750 million
Reuters report, November 12, 2026
Colette Kress’s estimated wealth is approximately $750 million based on the reported value of her NVIDIA shareholdings in November 2026.
This estimate needs some context. Reuters reported that her shares were valued at roughly $750 million as of the market close on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The value had fallen from more than $1 billion when NVIDIA’s share price reached its peak the previous month. Reuters+1
Forbes had placed Kress’s estimated wealth at approximately $1.2 billion in June 2026. Its profile identified NVIDIA as the primary source of her wealth and ranked her among America’s richest self-made women. Forbes
The difference between these estimates highlights the importance of NVIDIA stock in her financial position.
It is also important to understand that $750 million is a reported estimate of the value of her company shares, not a verified calculation of all her assets minus liabilities.
Her complete financial position could include other investments, property, cash and financial interests that are not publicly disclosed.
Why Do Colette Kress’s Net Worth Estimates Differ?
There are several reasons why online estimates of her wealth may differ:
- NVIDIA stock price: The market value of her shares changes whenever NVIDIA’s share price moves.
- Stock transactions: Executive stock awards, sales, transfers and tax-related share withholding can affect reported ownership.
- Trust ownership: Some shares are held through trusts and other entities, making beneficial ownership different from straightforward personal ownership.
- Different valuation dates: Forbes and other financial publications may calculate estimates using different market dates.
- Private assets and liabilities: Her complete financial portfolio is not publicly available.
For this reason, the November 2026 Reuters-reported share valuation provides a useful current reference point, but it should not be described as an officially confirmed personal net worth.
Why Is Colette Kress in the News in November 2026?
Colette Kress became a major business news figure on November 12, 2026, when NVIDIA announced a leadership transition.
The company’s board announced that co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang had resigned from his positions, effective immediately. Kress was appointed interim CEO while continuing to serve as executive vice president and CFO.
NVIDIA also announced that Harvey C. Jones had been appointed the company’s first-ever chair of the board.
According to the official announcement, the board will conduct a search for a permanent CEO and consider both internal and external candidates. NVIDIA Newsroom+1
This appointment represents a major change for NVIDIA, a company that Huang had led for more than three decades.
Kress is now responsible for leading the company during a significant period for the artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries.
Her financial experience and understanding of NVIDIA’s operations make her an important figure in the company’s leadership transition.
Key details of the November 2026 announcement:
- Announcement date: November 12, 2026.
- Company: NVIDIA Corporation.
- New position: Interim Chief Executive Officer.
- Previous position: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
- CFO appointment: September 2013.
- Permanent CEO search: Announced by NVIDIA’s board.
- Board chair: Harvey C. Jones.
NVIDIA confirmed that Kress would continue in both her CFO and interim CEO roles until a permanent successor was named. NVIDIA Newsroom+1
Colette Kress’s NVIDIA Salary and Total Compensation in 2026
One of the most important parts of understanding Colette Kress’s financial success is examining her publicly reported executive compensation.
NVIDIA publishes executive compensation information in its annual proxy statements filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
According to the company’s fiscal 2026 proxy statement, Kress received total reported compensation of $14,340,850.
Here is the breakdown:
| Compensation component | Fiscal 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Base salary | $898,577 |
| Stock awards | $12,825,872 |
| Performance-based cash incentive | $600,000 |
| Other compensation | $16,402 |
| Total compensation | $14,340,850 |
Source: NVIDIA’s 2026 SEC proxy statement. SEC+1
The figures show that stock awards accounted for the largest portion of her compensation.
Her base salary was approximately $899,000, while stock awards represented almost 90% of the reported total compensation.
This is an important distinction because executive compensation at major technology companies often includes equity awards designed to reward long-term performance.
How Much Did Colette Kress Earn in Previous Years?
NVIDIA’s proxy statement also provides historical compensation information.
| Fiscal year | Total reported compensation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $13,266,792 |
| 2025 | $21,362,532 |
| 2026 | $14,340,850 |
Source: NVIDIA SEC filings. SEC+1
Her reported compensation changed considerably between these years, largely because the value of stock awards can vary.
The figures represent reported compensation under SEC disclosure rules. They should not automatically be interpreted as the amount of cash deposited into her bank account during each year.
Stock awards are generally subject to vesting conditions and their eventual market value can be different from the accounting value recorded when they are granted.
Colette Kress’s NVIDIA Stock Holdings: The Biggest Contributor to Her Wealth
NVIDIA stock ownership is one of the most important factors behind Colette Kress’s estimated fortune.
The company’s 2026 proxy statement disclosed that she beneficially owned 4,443,523 NVIDIA shares as of March 23, 2026.
This was a significant equity holding accumulated during her years at the company. SEC+1
A later SEC Form 4 filing covering transactions in September 2026 showed approximately 4.78 million shares held directly and indirectly through associated entities.
The filing documented holdings through several ownership structures, including:
- Direct share ownership.
- A limited liability company.
- Trusts.
- Grantor retained annuity trusts.
- Immediate family member holdings.
The SEC filing is particularly useful because it provides more detailed information about reported ownership than general celebrity wealth websites. SEC+1
How Much Are Her NVIDIA Shares Worth?
Reuters reported that Kress’s NVIDIA shareholding was worth roughly $750 million at the market close on November 11, 2026.
That figure is based on the market value of the reported stock position rather than a publicly disclosed valuation of all her personal assets. Reuters+1
Her stock wealth also demonstrates how equity compensation can create substantial financial value for senior executives who remain with a rapidly growing company over many years.
However, stock ownership comes with market risk. If NVIDIA’s share price falls, the estimated value of her holdings can decline even if the number of shares she owns remains unchanged.
How Did Colette Kress Become So Wealthy?
Colette Kress built her wealth through a combination of executive compensation, long-term stock awards and senior finance positions at major technology companies.
Her career did not begin at NVIDIA. Before joining the semiconductor company, she spent nearly 25 years working in financial leadership and management positions.
Her experience at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco helped prepare her for one of the most important financial positions in the technology sector.
The following are the major stages of her professional journey.
1. Texas Instruments: Building Her Finance Career
Kress began her professional career at Texas Instruments , where she spent approximately eight years in finance-related positions.
The company is known for its semiconductor products, embedded processing technologies and electronic components.
Working in a technology-focused business gave her experience in corporate finance, financial planning and business operations.
Although her exact compensation at Texas Instruments has not been publicly disclosed, this period provided the foundation for her later executive responsibilities.
2. Microsoft: Moving Into Senior Financial Leadership
Kress joined Microsoft in 1997 and worked there until 2010.
During her 13 years at the company, she held several senior financial positions.
One of her most important responsibilities was serving as chief financial officer of Microsoft’s Server and Tools division.
In this role, she was responsible for financial strategy, planning and reporting.
Her experience at Microsoft helped establish her as a senior financial executive with knowledge of large technology businesses.
It also gave her experience managing financial operations in an industry that was becoming increasingly important to global business and enterprise computing.
3. Cisco: Becoming a Senior Finance Executive
In 2010, Kress joined Cisco as senior vice president and CFO of its Business Technology and Operations Finance organisation.
Her responsibilities included:
- Financial strategy.
- Financial planning.
- Corporate reporting.
- Business development.
- Financial management across business segments.
- Engineering and operations finance.
She spent approximately three years at Cisco before accepting the CFO position at NVIDIA.
This position was an important step in her career because it placed her in a senior financial leadership role at another major technology company. NVIDIA+1
4. NVIDIA: The Career Move That Transformed Her Wealth
Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 as executive vice president and chief financial officer.
At the time, NVIDIA was already an established graphics processing and computing company, but the scale of its later artificial intelligence business was not yet apparent.
During her tenure, NVIDIA expanded significantly in areas including:
- Graphics processing units (GPUs).
- Artificial intelligence computing.
- Data centre infrastructure.
- Accelerated computing.
- Gaming technology.
- Enterprise computing.
- AI infrastructure and software.
NVIDIA’s growth also changed the financial profile of its senior executives.
Kress received annual compensation packages that included stock awards. As the company’s market value increased, her existing equity holdings became substantially more valuable.
The company’s financial growth and her long-term executive position are central to understanding her estimated fortune.
NVIDIA’s official biography confirms that she joined in September 2013 after nearly 25 years in finance positions at other technology companies. NVIDIA+1
Colette Kress’s Education and Academic Background
Colette Kress has an academic background in finance and business administration.
According to NVIDIA’s official executive biography, she earned:
- Bachelor of Science in Finance: University of Arizona.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Southern Methodist University.
Her educational qualifications helped provide the foundation for a career in corporate finance and executive management.
Her professional experience across several major technology companies further strengthened her expertise in financial planning, reporting and business strategy. NVIDIA+1
Colette Kress Age, Family and Personal Life
Colette Kress is 59 years old according to NVIDIA’s November 2026 SEC filing.
She generally maintains a relatively private personal profile compared with some other senior technology executives.
Her public professional identity is primarily associated with finance, corporate leadership and NVIDIA’s business strategy.
Some personal details, including a comprehensive account of her family finances, personal investments and property ownership, are not publicly documented.
For readers interested in her net worth, the most reliable information remains her company compensation disclosures and SEC stock ownership filings rather than unsupported claims about her private lifestyle.
Colette Kress’s Unvested NVIDIA Stock Awards
Another important part of her financial profile is the value of stock awards that had not yet vested.
NVIDIA’s fiscal 2026 proxy statement reported that Kress had 569,889 unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance stock units (PSUs) at January 25, 2026.
The company estimated their total benefit at approximately $106.95 million using the valuation assumptions described in the filing. SEC+1
These awards are important because they represent potential future equity value, subject to the applicable vesting and performance conditions.
However, they should not simply be added to her existing shareholding valuation without accounting for the way the SEC disclosures classify ownership and awards.
The distinction matters:
- Vested shares: Shares that have met their vesting conditions.
- Unvested awards: Equity compensation that has not yet met its applicable conditions.
- Stock award compensation: Accounting value reported for awards granted during a particular financial year.
- Market value: The value of shares at a particular market price.
These are different financial measurements and should not be treated as interchangeable.
What Does Colette Kress’s Appointment as Interim CEO Mean for Her Salary?
Kress’s appointment as interim CEO has created questions about whether she will receive additional compensation.
As of November 13, 2026, NVIDIA’s public announcement confirms that she will continue as both interim CEO and CFO until a permanent successor is appointed.
However, the announcement does not provide a revised salary, additional bonus or new CEO compensation package. NVIDIA Newsroom+1
Her existing fiscal 2026 compensation disclosure should therefore not be presented as her confirmed compensation for the new interim CEO responsibilities.
The company’s next compensation disclosures may provide further information about any changes to her remuneration.
There is also an important governance consideration. NVIDIA has said its board will conduct a search for a permanent CEO, considering internal and external candidates.
Kress’s interim position is therefore not confirmation that she will permanently lead the company.
What Has NVIDIA Said About Colette Kress’s Leadership?
In its November 12, 2026 announcement, NVIDIA’s board highlighted Kress’s understanding of the company’s business, customers, operations and financial position.
Board chair Harvey C. Jones expressed confidence in Kress and the existing leadership team.
Kress also said she was committed to continuing the foundation established by Jensen Huang and advancing NVIDIA’s work in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence.
The company stated that its operations, customer commitments and product roadmap were expected to continue without interruption. NVIDIA Newsroom+1
These statements are relevant because the leadership transition comes at a significant time for the AI computing industry.
NVIDIA supplies computing technology used by major businesses, research organisations and cloud infrastructure providers.
The new CEO’s ability to maintain investor confidence, business relationships and long-term growth will be closely watched.
Colette Kress Net Worth Compared With Her NVIDIA Salary
One of the most interesting aspects of Kress’s financial profile is the difference between her annual executive compensation and the estimated value of her stock holdings.
| Financial category | Reported amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated NVIDIA stock wealth, November 2026 | $750 million |
| Fiscal 2026 total compensation | $14.34 million |
| Fiscal 2026 base salary | $898,577 |
| Fiscal 2026 stock awards | $12.83 million |
| Unvested stock awards estimated benefit, January 2026 | $106.95 million |
Sources: Reuters and NVIDIA SEC proxy statement. Reuters+1
These figures measure different things and should not be combined into a single wealth total.
Her stock holdings are the major factor behind the reported scale of her fortune, while her annual compensation reflects the company’s disclosed remuneration for a particular fiscal year.
This is a useful example of how executive wealth can grow through equity ownership rather than salary alone.
Why Colette Kress’s Wealth Matters in the Technology Industry
Kress’s financial profile offers an interesting example of the relationship between corporate leadership, employee equity and the growth of technology businesses.
NVIDIA became a major player in the artificial intelligence computing market, and its share-price performance significantly increased the value of equity held by long-serving executives.
Her career also demonstrates the importance of financial leadership in a technology company.
A CFO is responsible for more than accounting and reporting. The position involves financial planning, capital allocation, risk management, business strategy and communication with investors.
As interim CEO, Kress now has an even broader leadership responsibility.
Her financial background could be particularly relevant as NVIDIA navigates investment decisions, AI infrastructure demand, competition and shareholder expectations.
However, her ability to lead the company permanently will depend on the board’s decision and the company’s future performance.
What Happens Next for Colette Kress?
NVIDIA has confirmed that its board is searching for a permanent CEO.
Until that appointment is made, Kress is expected to continue leading the company as interim CEO while retaining her CFO responsibilities.
The next important developments to watch include:
- Permanent CEO appointment: NVIDIA’s board will consider internal and external candidates.
- Leadership continuity: The company will need to maintain relationships with customers, partners and developers.
- Financial performance: Investors will continue monitoring NVIDIA’s revenue, profitability and AI-related demand.
- Executive compensation: Future company filings may disclose changes to Kress’s compensation.
- Stock valuation: Changes in NVIDIA’s market price could materially affect the estimated value of her shareholdings.
NVIDIA’s next scheduled third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results announcement was November 17, 2026, according to its November 12 press release. NVIDIA Newsroom
As of November 13, the company had not announced a permanent replacement for Huang.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Colette Kress net worth in 2026?
Colette Kress’s NVIDIA stock holdings were valued at approximately $750 million in November 2026, according to Reuters. Forbes had previously estimated her wealth at $1.2 billion in June 2026. These are estimates, not verified disclosures of her complete personal net worth.
2. Is Colette Kress a billionaire?
Forbes estimated her wealth at approximately $1.2 billion in June 2026, placing her in billionaire territory at that time. However, Reuters reported that her NVIDIA shareholding was worth approximately $750 million in November 2026 following a decline in the company’s stock price.
3. How much does Colette Kress earn from NVIDIA?
NVIDIA’s fiscal 2026 proxy statement reported total compensation of $14,340,850 for Kress. This included approximately $898,577 in salary, $12.83 million in stock awards, $600,000 in performance-based cash incentives and $16,402 in other compensation.
4. How many NVIDIA shares does Colette Kress own?
NVIDIA’s March 2026 proxy statement reported 4,443,523 beneficially owned shares. A September 2026 SEC filing subsequently showed approximately 4.78 million shares held directly and indirectly through associated entities.
5. When did Colette Kress join NVIDIA?
Colette Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Before that, she worked at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco.
6. Is Colette Kress the new CEO of NVIDIA?
On November 12, 2026, NVIDIA announced that Kress had been appointed interim CEO following Jensen Huang’s resignation. She will continue serving as CFO until a permanent CEO is appointed.
7. What is Colette Kress’s educational qualification?
Kress earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
8. Why is Colette Kress so wealthy?
Her estimated wealth is primarily associated with NVIDIA stock accumulated during her long executive career. She has also received substantial annual compensation, including equity awards, while working in senior financial positions at major technology companies.
9. Will Colette Kress receive a higher salary as NVIDIA’s interim CEO?
NVIDIA has not publicly disclosed a new compensation package for her interim CEO responsibilities as of November 13, 2026. Her previously reported fiscal 2026 compensation should not be assumed to represent her new CEO compensation.
