Colette Kress is NVIDIA’s longtime Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on November 12, 2026, following Jensen Huang’s resignation. She joined NVIDIA in September 2013 and previously held senior finance positions at Microsoft, Cisco and Texas Instruments. Kress will continue serving as NVIDIA’s CFO while leading the company temporarily as its board searches for a permanent CEO.
Colette Kress has become one of the most closely watched executives in the global technology industry after NVIDIA appointed her interim Chief Executive Officer on November 12, 2026. The announcement followed the resignation of Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s co-founder and longtime CEO, marking a significant leadership change at one of the world’s most influential artificial intelligence and semiconductor companies.
Kress, who has served as NVIDIA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2013, will temporarily take responsibility for the company’s overall leadership. She will retain her CFO position while the board begins searching for a permanent successor.
Her appointment is particularly significant because she has spent more than a decade managing NVIDIA’s financial operations during its transformation from a major graphics and semiconductor company into a global leader in AI computing.
Before joining NVIDIA, Colette Kress built an extensive career in corporate finance, holding senior positions at Microsoft, Cisco and Texas Instruments.
The leadership change raises important questions about her professional background, financial experience, responsibilities and the future direction of NVIDIA.
What Happened? Colette Kress Appointed NVIDIA Interim CEO
NVIDIA announced on November 12, 2026, that its board of directors had appointed Colette Kress as interim CEO after Jensen Huang resigned as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective immediately.
The announcement was made through an official company press release.
The board also announced that Harvey C. Jones had been appointed as the company’s first-ever chairman of the board.
The company confirmed that it would begin a search for a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates.
Under the announced arrangement, Kress will hold two important positions:
- Interim Chief Executive Officer: Responsible for temporarily leading NVIDIA’s overall business and executive operations.
- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer: Continuing to oversee the company’s financial organization.
This is an important development because NVIDIA has historically been closely associated with Jensen Huang’s leadership and public identity.
Kress now faces the responsibility of maintaining business continuity while the company works through its leadership transition.
Who Is Colette Kress?
nvidianews.nvidia.com
Colette Kress is an American business executive and finance professional known for her leadership in the global technology industry.
She is best known for her work at NVIDIA, where she has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2013.
Her professional experience includes nearly 25 years in finance positions at major technology companies before and during her early career at NVIDIA.
Rather than following a traditional technology engineering career, Kress built her professional reputation through corporate finance, financial planning, business operations and strategic management.
Her experience is particularly relevant to NVIDIA because the company operates in an industry requiring significant investment in semiconductor research, manufacturing partnerships, AI infrastructure and global business expansion.
Colette Kress Biography: Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Colette Kress |
| Profession | Business executive and finance leader |
| Current position | NVIDIA Interim CEO |
| Other position | Executive Vice President and CFO |
| Company | NVIDIA |
| Joined NVIDIA | September 2013 |
| Previous companies | Microsoft, Cisco, Texas Instruments |
| Education | University of Arizona |
| Undergraduate degree | Bachelor of Science in Finance |
| MBA | Southern Methodist University |
| Industry | Technology, semiconductors and artificial intelligence |
Her official NVIDIA biography confirms her professional background and educational qualifications.
Colette Kress’s Career Before NVIDIA
One of the most important aspects of Colette Kress’s professional journey is her experience across several major technology companies.
Her career demonstrates a progression through corporate finance, financial planning, business strategy and executive leadership.
1. Texas Instruments
Kress began her professional journey in the technology industry at Texas Instruments, where she held various finance positions.
This experience gave her an early foundation in financial management within the semiconductor and technology sector.
Texas Instruments is an established semiconductor company, making this experience particularly relevant to her later responsibilities at NVIDIA.
2. Microsoft: 13 Years of Experience
commons.wikimedia.org
Colette Kress spent 13 years at Microsoft between 1997 and 2010.
During this period, she held several senior finance positions, including Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft’s Server and Tools division for four years.
Her responsibilities included financial management and corporate planning.
This experience helped her develop an understanding of how large technology businesses manage financial resources, operations and growth.
3. Cisco: Senior Vice President and CFO
bloomberg.com
Before joining NVIDIA, Kress spent three years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cisco’s Business Technology and Operations Finance organization.
Her responsibilities included:
- Financial strategy.
- Financial planning and reporting.
- Business development.
- Financial management across business segments.
- Engineering and operations finance.
Her position at Cisco gave her further experience managing the financial requirements of a large international technology organization.
4. NVIDIA: Joined in September 2013
parrhesianews.co.uk
NVIDIA appointed Colette Kress as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in September 2013.
The company announced her appointment on September 16, 2013.
At the time, she had approximately 24 years of experience in the technology industry.
Since joining NVIDIA, she has remained a central member of its executive leadership team.
Her tenure coincided with several major changes in the company’s business, including the growing importance of GPUs in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure and data centres.
Why her NVIDIA experience matters
Kress has spent more than 13 years inside the organization. She has direct experience with its financial operations, business planning and relationships with investors.
This institutional knowledge is an important consideration during a leadership transition at a company of NVIDIA’s size.
Sources: NVIDIA’s official executive biography and its September 16, 2013 CFO appointment announcement. NVIDIA+1
Colette Kress Education: Where Did She Study?
Education has been an important part of Colette Kress’s professional background.
According to NVIDIA’s official executive biography, she holds two qualifications:
1. Bachelor of Science in Finance
Kress earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Arizona.
This qualification provided an academic foundation in financial management and business-related disciplines.
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
She also earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
An MBA generally develops knowledge of business strategy, organizational management, financial decision-making and leadership.
Her academic qualifications, combined with decades of professional experience, have contributed to her career in senior financial management.
Why Did NVIDIA Choose Colette Kress as Interim CEO?
NVIDIA has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of every consideration behind its decision to appoint Kress.
However, the company’s November 12 announcement provides an important indication of the board’s confidence in her experience.
Harvey C. Jones, NVIDIA’s newly appointed board chairman, highlighted Kress’s understanding of the company’s business, customers, operations and financial position.
He also expressed confidence in NVIDIA’s existing leadership team.
There are several practical reasons why her appointment is significant.
1. More Than a Decade of Experience at NVIDIA
Kress has been part of NVIDIA’s executive leadership since 2013.
This means she already understands the company’s organizational structure, business model and financial priorities.
2. Experience Managing a Global Technology Business
Her previous experience at Microsoft and Cisco provides knowledge of managing complex financial operations at large technology companies.
3. Understanding of NVIDIA’s Financial Position
As CFO, Kress has direct responsibility for the company’s financial organization.
This experience could be particularly valuable during a period when investors, customers and business partners are assessing NVIDIA’s leadership transition.
4. Maintaining Business Continuity
A sudden change in executive leadership can create uncertainty for employees, customers, investors and business partners.
Appointing an existing executive as interim CEO provides an immediate leadership arrangement while the board considers permanent candidates.
These are reasonable explanations based on her documented experience and the board’s announcement, not a claim that NVIDIA has officially identified each as its selection criteria.
What Did NVIDIA Say About Colette Kress’s Appointment?
NVIDIA’s November 12, 2026, announcement included comments from Harvey C. Jones, the company’s board chairman.
Jones highlighted Kress’s long experience within NVIDIA and her understanding of its business, customers, operations and financial position.
He also said the board had full confidence in Kress and the leadership team.
Colette Kress also issued a statement following her appointment.
She emphasized NVIDIA’s people, its existing foundation and the company’s continued work in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence.
Her statement indicated that the company’s focus would remain on serving customers, partners, developers and shareholders.
Importantly, NVIDIA’s official announcement stated that the company expected its operations, customer commitments and product roadmap to continue without interruption.
This is an important reassurance for customers and businesses that depend on NVIDIA’s technology.NVIDIA Announces CEO Transition+1
Colette Kress and Jensen Huang: Understanding the Leadership Transition
theinformation.com
For more than three decades, Jensen Huang was the central public figure associated with NVIDIA.
He co-founded the company in 1993 and led its development into one of the world’s most important semiconductor and AI computing businesses.
Kress joined NVIDIA approximately 20 years after the company’s founding.
During her tenure, she worked within the executive leadership structure while Huang served as CEO.
The November 2026 announcement represents a significant change because NVIDIA will now operate under an interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor.
Here is a comparison of their announced positions:
| Category | Jensen Huang | Colette Kress |
|---|---|---|
| Previous position | CEO and President | EVP and CFO |
| Latest announced position | Resigned | Interim CEO and CFO |
| NVIDIA association | Co-founder, 1993 | Joined in 2013 |
| Main experience | Technology and business leadership | Finance and corporate management |
| Current leadership status | Resigned | Leading temporarily |
It is important to distinguish the confirmed announcement from speculation about the circumstances surrounding Huang’s resignation.
NVIDIA’s official statement confirmed that he resigned effective immediately but did not provide a detailed explanation of the reasons.
Media reports have discussed additional allegations and controversies surrounding the departure. Those reports should not be treated as independently established facts or as an official explanation from NVIDIA.
How Big Is NVIDIA’s Business Under Colette Kress?
One reason the leadership transition is attracting international attention is the size and importance of NVIDIA’s business.
The company is a major supplier of graphics processing units (GPUs), networking technology and computing platforms used in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Its technology is used by:
- AI research organizations.
- Cloud computing companies.
- Data centre operators.
- Technology businesses.
- Universities and research institutions.
- Government and enterprise customers.
NVIDIA’s financial performance also illustrates the scale of the business Kress is helping lead.
According to NVIDIA’s August 26, 2026, financial results announcement:
NVIDIA second-quarter fiscal 2027 results
$96.2B
Total quarterly revenue
106%
Year-over-year revenue growth
$89B
Data Center revenue
117%
Data Center year-over-year growth
Source: NVIDIA’s second-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results, August 26, 2026.
These figures demonstrate the scale of NVIDIA’s operations during the period preceding Kress’s interim CEO appointment.
The company’s financial results also explain why investors are paying close attention to its leadership arrangements.
A change at the top of a company with such a large role in the global AI industry can attract attention beyond the technology sector.investor.nvidia.com+1
What Challenges Could Colette Kress Face as NVIDIA’s Interim CEO?
Although Kress has considerable financial and corporate management experience, leading NVIDIA as CEO will involve responsibilities beyond those of a CFO.
Several important challenges could shape her interim leadership.
1. Managing Investor Confidence
NVIDIA’s investors will want clarity about the company’s future leadership, financial performance and long-term strategy.
Kress will need to communicate effectively with shareholders and financial markets during the transition.
2. Maintaining AI Industry Leadership
The artificial intelligence industry is becoming increasingly competitive.
NVIDIA faces competition from semiconductor manufacturers and companies developing their own AI processors.
Maintaining its technology leadership, customer relationships and product development strategy will remain important.
3. Managing Relationships With Major Customers
NVIDIA works with some of the world’s largest technology companies and AI infrastructure providers.
Maintaining customer confidence and fulfilling existing business commitments will be an important responsibility.
4. Balancing Financial Discipline and Business Growth
As a finance executive, Kress has extensive experience in financial planning and management.
Her challenge will be to balance financial discipline with the substantial investment required to support NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure and technology development.
5. Establishing a Long-Term Leadership Direction
Kress’s appointment is temporary.
The board has confirmed that it will search for a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates.
Until that decision is made, she will need to maintain stability and provide direction to the company’s executive team.
What Happens Next at NVIDIA?
As of November 13, 2026, NVIDIA has confirmed several important next steps.
1. Interim leadership continues: Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while retaining her CFO responsibilities.
2. Permanent CEO search: NVIDIA’s board is beginning a search for a permanent chief executive and will consider internal and external candidates.
3. Third-quarter financial results: NVIDIA is scheduled to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results on November 17, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pacific Time. The earnings call is scheduled for 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
4. Employee communication: Kress has indicated that NVIDIA will hold an employee meeting on November 18, according to a Reuters report carried by GMA News.
These developments will be important in understanding how the company manages its transition.
However, NVIDIA has not announced a final CEO successor or a confirmed date for completing the appointment process.NVIDIA Announces CEO Transition+1
Why Colette Kress’s Appointment Matters for the Global AI Industry
Colette Kress’s appointment is more than an internal executive change.
NVIDIA occupies an important position in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. Its processors and computing platforms support the development and operation of many modern AI systems.
Consequently, its leadership decisions can influence the confidence of investors, customers, technology partners and the wider semiconductor industry.
Her appointment also highlights the importance of experienced finance executives in technology companies.
While NVIDIA is known for its advanced chips and engineering achievements, its growth has also depended on financial planning, business operations, supply-chain relationships and long-term investment decisions.
Kress has spent more than a decade working within that business environment.
Her immediate task is to maintain operational stability while the board determines the company’s permanent leadership structure.
Whether she eventually becomes the permanent CEO remains unconfirmed.
For now, the most important development is that NVIDIA has selected an experienced internal executive to lead the company through a major leadership transition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Colette Kress?
Colette Kress is an American business executive and finance professional. She has served as NVIDIA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2013. On November 12, 2026, she was appointed the company’s interim CEO following Jensen Huang’s resignation.
2. Is Colette Kress the new CEO of NVIDIA?
Yes. Colette Kress was appointed interim CEO of NVIDIA on November 12, 2026. However, her appointment is temporary, and the company’s board is searching for a permanent CEO.
3. How old is Colette Kress?
Reuters reported that Colette Kress is 59 years old in its November 12, 2026, coverage. NVIDIA’s official executive biography does not publish her date of birth.
4. What is Colette Kress’s educational qualification?
Colette Kress holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
5. When did Colette Kress join NVIDIA?
Colette Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She has held the CFO position since then.
6. Which companies did Colette Kress work for before NVIDIA?
Before joining NVIDIA, Colette Kress worked at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco. She spent 13 years at Microsoft and three years as a senior vice president and CFO at Cisco.
7. Why was Colette Kress appointed interim CEO?
NVIDIA appointed Kress after Jensen Huang resigned as CEO. Her more than 13 years of experience at NVIDIA, knowledge of its operations and financial leadership experience make her an established internal executive for the interim position.
8. Will Colette Kress remain NVIDIA’s CFO?
Yes. NVIDIA’s November 12, 2026, announcement confirmed that Kress will continue serving as Executive Vice President and CFO while holding the interim CEO position.
9. Who will permanently replace Jensen Huang at NVIDIA?
NVIDIA has not announced a permanent replacement as of November 13, 2026. Its board has confirmed that it will consider both internal and external candidates.
10. What is Colette Kress known for?
Colette Kress is best known for her financial leadership at NVIDIA, her previous senior positions at Microsoft and Cisco, and her appointment as NVIDIA’s interim CEO in November 2026.
