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Nvidia's founder is facing the ouster, and a name from Cupertino has surfaced on the list of potential successors. Johny Srouji, who spearheaded Apple's chip development and has been responsible for all hardware since April, is being discussed as a candidate for the top job at the AI company. Whether he has even been approached remains unclear.
Nvidia's board of directors is preparing to oust co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang, according to multiple US reports. A Semafor report cites Johny Srouji as one of the candidates being considered for the position, based on a source familiar with the matter. A Bloomberg analysis of potential successors also mentions Srouji.
Srouji is one of Apple's most important managers. He joined the company in 2008, built up its own chip development, and since April has also led hardware development as Chief Hardware Officer, a role previously held by John Ternus.
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia's board of directors is reportedly preparing to remove CEO Jensen Huang, but a decision has not yet been announced.
- According to Semafor, Apple's Chief Hardware Officer Johny Srouji is being considered as a successor; Bloomberg also mentions him.
- It is not known whether Srouji was approached or is interested.
- According to Semafor, some directors prefer CFO Colette Kress as an interim solution.
- Srouji has been with Apple since 2008 and only took over responsibility for all hardware in April.
What is known about the search for Huang's successor
According to Bloomberg, Nvidia has hired an external firm to find candidates for the CEO position. Semafor reports that some board members favor CFO Colette Kress as interim CEO should Huang be ousted. Kress has been Nvidia's CFO since 2013.
Srouji's name has been mentioned in connection with the long-term appointment. Semafor bases this information on a single individual with knowledge of the events. Bloomberg includes him in its overview of potential successors. None of the reports indicate that any discussions have taken place.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the board of directors met Wednesday evening US time to discuss Huang's future. Nvidia has not yet announced a decision.
How things got to this point at Nvidia
In late October, the New York Times reported on Huang's close relationship with a woman suspected of spying for China. On November 8, in a message to employees published by Nvidia, Huang admitted to an extramarital affair. The board of directors launched an independent investigation that same day but stated it saw no reason to believe national security or company secrets were at risk and expressed its confidence in Huang.
Three days later, the situation changed drastically. On November 11, the New York Times reported on a second scandal, this time involving an Nvidia executive who reported to Huang. On the same day, the Wall Street Journal reported that the board of directors was preparing to remove him.
Srouji's path at Apple
Srouji joined Apple in 2008 from Intel and IBM to lead the development of the A4, Apple's first in-house designed chip. He later spearheaded the transition of the Mac to Apple Silicon. His organization now also includes cellular modems, cameras, displays, sensors, and batteries.
| Time | Station |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Move to Apple, Head of A4 Development |
| 2019 | According to reports, among the candidates for the CEO position at Intel, which Bob Swan received |
| December 2025 | Bloomberg reports that Srouji is considering a move, but he is staying |
| April 2026 | Promotion to Chief Hardware Officer |
| November 2026 | Mentioned as a possible Nvidia CEO |
In December 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Srouji had told Tim Cook he was seriously considering leaving. According to the report, Cook tried to retain him with a higher salary and more responsibility. Srouji subsequently told employees he had no plans to leave Apple in the foreseeable future.
In April, he was promoted to Chief Hardware Officer, coinciding with the announcement that John Ternus would succeed Tim Cook as CEO. Ternus has led Apple since September 1st, meaning the new leadership structure has been in place for just over ten weeks.
Why a change is now hard to imagine
I see Srouji's mention primarily as a compliment to Apple's chip development. Anyone looking for a technically credible successor at Nvidia can hardly ignore the manager behind the A4 and the Mac's switch to its own chips. However, this doesn't necessarily mean a change is imminent.
Srouji took over responsibility for all hardware seven months ago, after Apple had retained him with more responsibility just a few months prior. Nvidia, on the other hand, urgently needs a solution, and according to Semafor, Kress is in talks. I don't expect Srouji to join Nvidia anytime soon. His departure would be a major blow for Apple, as chips and device hardware are now consolidated under its control.
Would Apple be able to cope with Srouji's departure so soon after the change at the top, or is chip development now so broadly based that it can continue without him? Let us know in the comments how big a gap you think this would be.
