As Jensen Huang stepped down as CEO of Nvidia (NVDA) following its scandals, CFO Colette Kress took over as interim CEO.
The company’s board of directors is currently searching, both internally and externally, for a permanent replacement for Huang.
Rene Haas, CEO of Arm Holdings, is one candidate, and Ian Buck, head of hyperscale and high-performance computing at Nvidia, is considered an early favorite for the job thanks to his strong technical expertise.
Buck created CUDA software that lets developers use Nvidia’s chips for general-purpose computing, helping make the company the AI juggernaut it is today.
Buck is not the only candidate, however.
Nvidia co-founder Chris Malachowsky could also take over as CEO.
An accomplished engineer with nearly 40 patents to his credit, Malachowsky is a member of Nvidia and a senior technology executive, says a biography on the company’s website.
Malachowsky oversaw efforts within Nvidia, including its operations and engineering. He also led its research organization.
But it remains to be seen whether Malachowsky, or anyone for that matter, can fully replace Huang. The former CEO was Nvidia’s greatest champion and the face of the AI era.
He hosted huge events, dressed in his signature leather jackets, and traveled the world, drawing massive crowds as an ambassador for AI.
He also had the kind of deep relationships needed to attract clients and invest in various AI-related businesses.
For now, Kress will serve as a stabilizing force within Nvidia as it looks to find its footing after last week’s drama.
But the company’s board of directors will have to make a decision sooner or later, and who they choose will determine the future of one of the most important companies in the world. It seems easy.
Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on @DanielHowley or contact us on Signal or Telegram.
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