Could Tim Cook take the helm of Nvidia? The former Apple CEO is now among the names being floated on Kalshi to succeed Jensen Huang. On November 11, 2026, bettors gave him a 10% chance of becoming the next leader of the AI giant, after a peak at 91%. Two Nvidia managers, however, remain favorites: Ian Buck and Colette Kress. No leadership changes have been officially announced.
In brief
- Tim Cook appears on Kalshi with a 10% chance of succeeding Jensen Huang, according to Benzinga’s reading.
- Ian Buck dominates the betting with 42%, ahead of Colette Kress at 27%.
- Nvidia’s board is considering Jensen Huang’s future, without having announced a successor.
Tim Cook appears in bets on Nvidia succession
The succession of Jensen Huang is shaking the markets. While Nvidia recently enjoyed exceptional financial results driven by AI, the group is now going through a period of uncertainty regarding its direction. On Kalshi, users bet on who the next CEO will be. Tim Cook’s name appeared among the candidates.
According to Benzinga, the implied probability associated with the former Apple boss reached 10% on November 11. It had briefly climbed to 91% about 24 hours before. A particularly important variation. These figures represent the prices of contracts traded on a predictive market. They can evolve quickly, especially when volumes are low. However, there is no official information to confirm that Nvidia contacted Tim Cook. Benzinga acknowledges that he was unable to verify the origin of the speculation spread on social networks.
Cook’s name also came up on CNBC. Daniel Newman, CEO of Futurum Group, believed that Nvidia would need its own Tim Cook to succeed Jensen Huang. He was referring to the profile of a manager capable of managing a large technology company, without confirming Cook’s candidacy. Since September, the latter has served as executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors. His appearance on Kalshi therefore does not mean that he is preparing his departure to Nvidia.
Ian Buck and Colette Kress dominate the forecasts
The main favorites already work at Nvidia. Ian Buck, head of hyperscale and high-performance computing activities, held first place on Kalshi with 42% in the survey published by Benzinga.
Colette Kress, financial director of the group, came second with 27%. Buck has extensive technical experience. He notably contributed to the development of CUDA, the software platform which makes it possible to exploit Nvidia graphics processors for complex calculations.
He also works with large data center clients. Kress presents a different profile. She has been supervising the group’s finances for more than ten years and maintains regular relations with institutional investors.
His experience could be useful in ensuring a possible transition. Tim Cook’s name attracts more attention because of his background at Apple. After fifteen years as CEO, he handed over his position to John Ternus on September 1, 2026. The former executive is particularly familiar with international supply chains and managing a global technology company.
But Nvidia has a very different industrial model. The group provides the chips, software and infrastructure that power much of the world’s development of artificial intelligence. Reuters also mentions Rene Haas, CEO of Arm and former head of Nvidia, among the external profiles considered by some analysts. None of these names constitute confirmed appointments.
Nvidia is going through a delicate period before its results
The speculation comes after several revelations regarding Jensen Huang. On November 8, Nvidia announced the opening of an independent investigation following information suggesting a possible foreign intelligence operation targeting its leader.
The board of directors then affirmed that it retained its confidence in Jensen Huang. Three days later, Reuters reported that directors were meeting to consider his future, following new revelations about his private life.
No official replacement decision had been announced. Investors nevertheless reacted. On Wednesday, November 11, Nvidia stock closed at $173.73, up 2.92% during the regular session. It then lost 8.61% in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga.
The next financial deadlines are approaching. Nvidia is scheduled to report its fiscal 2027 third-quarter results on November 17. Financial director Colette Kress will present the main figures before a conference call with analysts.
The group remains at the heart of global investments in AI infrastructure. By October, Nvidia had even approached $6 trillion in market capitalization, supported by demand for chips for data centers. The current situation contrasts with this period of strong stock market growth. For now, Tim Cook remains just another name in the predictive markets, while Jensen Huang officially retains his role as head of Nvidia.
Drama twist: Jensen Huang resigns from Nvidia
As we write these lines, the matter is taking a decisive turn. Nvidia has announced the immediate departure of Jensen Huang from his roles as CEO, president and member of the board of directors.
The decision ends 33 years at the head of the American semiconductor giant. Jensen Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and supported its transformation into a world leader in chips for artificial intelligence.
The succession is already being organized. Colette Kress, Nvidia’s CFO since 2013, takes over as interim CEO. It will also retain its financial responsibilities during this transition period.
Longtime director Harvey C. Jones becomes chairman of the board. A recruitment procedure is launched to appoint a new CEO, with internal and external candidates considered.
The news shakes Wall Street. Nvidia shares fell around 10% in trading before the opening of the US market, according to initial readings reported by Reuters.
Huang’s departure comes a few days before the publication of quarterly results, scheduled for November 17. The company will now have to convince investors that it can continue its AI projects without the man who led its development for more than three decades.
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