In a significant leadership restructuring, Nvidia has named Harvey C. Jones as its inaugural board chairman, marking a new era for the world's most valuable AI chipmaker. This appointment follows the immediate departure of long-serving CEO Jensen Huang on November 12, 2026.
Amid these changes, the company also announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress would serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is identified. Both Kress and Jones are expected to play pivotal roles in guiding Nvidia through this period of transition.
Who is Harvey C. Jones?
Harvey C. Jones brings over three decades of extensive experience as a technology entrepreneur, business executive, and investor. His career spans leadership positions at several prominent tech firms:
- Daisy Systems (1981-1987): Served as president and CEO, contributing to the development of computer-aided engineering software.
- Synopsys (1987-1997): Led the electronic design automation company as CEO for seven years before transitioning to executive chairman.
- Tensilica (1997-2004): Co-founded this company, which specialized in semiconductor technology and high-performance processing cores.
- Square Wave Ventures (2004-present): Has been a managing partner at this private investment firm.
Jones's academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Georgetown University and a master's degree in Management from MIT. He first joined Nvidia's board in 1993, witnessing its transformation from a graphics chip manufacturer into a global powerhouse in AI computing.
Significance of Jones's Appointment
Prior to Jones's appointment, Nvidia operated without a dedicated board chairman, instead appointing a Lead Independent Director annually from its independent board members. The creation of a designated board chairman position signifies a fundamental structural shift in Nvidia's governance.
This new role provides the board with a dedicated leader responsible for managing its proceedings and overseeing the overall governance structure. The change is crucial as Nvidia navigates the complexities of a competitive AI market and a significant leadership transition, with Jones's deep industry knowledge and long-standing tenure on the board offering stability and strategic direction.