Tim Cook for Nvidia CEO? Trump and the world ponder who’s next

Detailed summary

Trump suggests Tim Cook as Nvidia CEO while analysts weigh possible successors after Jensen Huang’s departure. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Tim Cook succeeded in the difficult task of leading Apple after co-founder Steve Jobs died in 2011.

SAN FRANCISCO - When it comes to the next CEO of Nvidia, Donald Trump is thinking outside the box.

After the AI chip company’s board parted ways with chief Jensen Huang, the US president said on social media on Nov 12: “There is only one man to take his place - TIM COOK of Apple. A Legend replaces a Legend!”

The hunt is on for a permanent successor, and the board is open to insider and outsider candidates, Nvidia said.

Analysts and investors want someone who understands the tech, has vision and possesses acumen in finance, since the company has been a major investor in the AI boom, as well as a manufacturer. Experience running a massive company is a likely requirement.

Nvidia’s Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress, who was named interim CEO, and uber-engineer Ian Buck bring expertise in the two areas that investors value most: the company’s money matters and its technology.

Traders on prediction market website Polymarket favored Buck as most likely to become the next CEO, followed by Kress, Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas and Cook.

Veteran Kress was named interim CEO on Nov 12, and her experience, authority and deep relationship with Wall Street make her a good choice to steer the company through crisis, analysts and investors have said.

Kress has been Nvidia’s CFO since 2013. Before that, she had a long career at major tech companies including Microsoft , Cisco and chip company Texas Instruments . A big question would be who fills the role of tech visionary if she runs the company.

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Straits Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.