Colette Kress is taking over as Nvidia’s interim chief executive. The company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer will lead the chipmaker following Jensen Huang’s resignation as president, CEO and board member, effective immediately, according to Nvidia’s latest announcement. Kress will retain her existing responsibilities while the board searches for a permanent successor, considering both internal and external candidates.Kress joined Nvidia in September 2013 and has led its finance organisation for more than 13 years. Before joining the company, she spent nearly 25 years in finance roles at technology companies, including Microsoft, Cisco and Texas Instruments. Her appointment puts an executive with experience across financial strategy, planning and business operations in charge during Nvidia’s leadership transition.
Colette Kress’ career graph at Nvidia
Kress has served as Nvidia’s executive vice president and chief financial officer since joining the company. During her tenure, she has overseen its finance organisation as the business expanded from graphics processors into accelerated computing and artificial intelligence. In announcing her appointment, Nvidia’s newly appointed board chair Harvey C. Jones pointed to her familiarity with the company.“Colette has helped lead NVIDIA through a period of extraordinary growth and has a deep understanding of our business, customers, operations and financial position,” Jones said.
Colette Kress has been in finance for nearly 25 years before Nvidia
According to Nvidia’s blog post, Kress held several finance positions at Texas Instruments before moving to Microsoft. She spent 13 years at Microsoft, including four years as chief financial officer of its Server and Tools division. She also held senior positions in corporate planning and finance.Kress subsequently spent three years as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Cisco’s Business Technology and Operations Finance organisation. Her responsibilities included financial strategy, planning, reporting and business development across the company’s business segments, engineering and operations.
Education and professional background
Kress holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. Her career has centred on managing the finances of technology businesses, with roles spanning semiconductor manufacturing, enterprise software and networking equipment before her move to Nvidia.
What Kress said about taking charge
In her first statement as interim CEO, Kress said she would work with Nvidia’s leadership team to continue the company’s strategy.“NVIDIA’s strength has always come from its people, and together with our leadership team, I am committed to building on the extraordinary foundation Jensen created over the last 33 years,” she said. “We will continue advancing the work that has made NVIDIA a leader in accelerated computing and AI, and execute on the opportunities ahead. Our focus remains on serving our customers, partners, developers and shareholders.”Kress will serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named. Nvidia said its third-quarter fiscal 2027 results remain scheduled for November 17, followed by an earnings call.