US President Donald Trump proposed former Apple CEO Tim Cook as Nvidia’s next chief executive on 12 November, after Jensen Huang resigned, TASS reported from Washington. Nvidia has appointed finance chief Colette Kress interim CEO, putting Trump’s public choice beside the company’s existing succession arrangements.
Key points
- Trump named Cook in a Truth Social post after Huang resigned on 12 November.
- Kress is serving as interim CEO while retaining her finance role.
- Nvidia has announced an independent investigation following reports of a possible foreign intelligence operation involving Huang.
Trump names Cook on Truth Social
Trump wrote that Huang had done “a fantastic job” and that Cook was the only person who could replace him. “Legend replaces a legend,” he wrote, according to TASS. The post names a candidate for Nvidia’s permanent leadership at a moment when its finance chief has taken the job temporarily.
Cook is Apple’s executive chair, NBC News reported. The broadcaster said Trump weighed in shortly after Nvidia announced Huang’s resignation.
Trump’s intent is less settled than the wording of his post. Axios reported that it was unclear whether he meant the suggestion as a joke. TASS reported the proposal without that caveat. Cook’s name now sits in a public discussion about a job for which Nvidia has already installed an interim leader.
Huang leaves Nvidia amid investigation
Huang resigned as both Nvidia CEO and a member of its board on 12 November. AI Affairs previously reported his departure and Kress’s interim appointment; Trump’s endorsement of Cook came afterwards.
Nvidia had announced an independent investigation after reports that Huang might have been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. On 8 November, the company said he intended to continue leading Nvidia. His resignation followed four days later.
The controversy also includes allegations of relationships with a woman suspected of spying for China and an Nvidia executive. Trump did not address those allegations in his post, Axios reported, instead calling Huang “a Legend.” The allegations remain allegations.
Kress holds Nvidia’s interim CEO role
Kress, Nvidia’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, was appointed interim CEO following Huang’s departure. AI Affairs had reported on Nvidia’s search for a successor, including Kress and Buck.
Trump’s post points to Cook as his preferred replacement, while Nvidia’s interim appointment puts Kress in charge. Kress will retain her executive vice president and finance chief roles until a permanent leader is named, TASS reported.
