Nvidia's board is reportedly considering the future of CEO Jensen Huang amidst allegations of personal misconduct, leaving the world's most valuable chipmaker searching for a potential successor. Two internal contenders have emerged as possible candidates: Ian Buck, a key engineer behind Nvidia's CUDA software platform, and Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress, who has been with the company for over a decade. While Buck is seen as a long-term choice due to his technical expertise, Kress could offer immediate continuity. The board met on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of ousting Huang, with sources suggesting they are also considering an interim chief while looking for a permanent replacement. Colette Kress is being touted as a strong internal candidate for an interim appointment due to her familiarity with investors and long tenure at Nvidia. However, some believe the permanent leadership role may require a stronger technical background, making Ian Buck a potential fit given his role in developing CUDA and leading Nvidia's AI business. The search is not limited to internal candidates, with Arm CEO Rene Haas and Nvidia veteran Jeff Fisher being mentioned as external possibilities. The controversy surrounding Huang has added pressure on Nvidia shares, causing the stock to lose value.
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The latest allegations against Huang involve a reported relationship with Nvidia vice president Kimberly Powell, who reports directly to him. These relationships have raised questions about the company's workplace policies on conflicts of interest and personal relationships. Some investors suggest a shared leadership arrangement could be a more realistic solution during the transition, with Colette Kress leading the business and finances and Ian Buck overseeing product and technology. This speculation comes at a critical time for Nvidia as it faces increased scrutiny.
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The search for a potential successor is not limited to current Nvidia executives. Arm CEO Rene Haas, a former Nvidia executive, has been mentioned as a possible external candidate. Jeff Fisher, a 32-year Nvidia veteran, is another name being discussed. Huang's two children, who are both executives at the company, have also been speculated as potential successors. A banker working on semiconductor deals told Reuters that Haas makes the most "logical sense" due to his profile and understanding of the chip industry. The controversy surrounding Huang has added to pressure on Nvidia shares, causing the stock to lose value.