.png){kind=logo}
Harvey C. Jones has spent more than three decades on NVIDIA's board. Now, the veteran Silicon Valley executive has taken on a new responsibility as the company's first-ever board chairman, following a major leadership change at the chipmaker.
NVIDIA appointed Jones on November 12, 2026, the same day co-founder Jensen Huang stepped down as CEO and board member. While Colette Kress has taken over as interim CEO, Jones will lead the board as it oversees the company's leadership transition.
Jones joined NVIDIA's board in November 1993, the year the company was founded. He has witnessed its transformation from a graphics chip manufacturer into a major supplier of processors and computing systems used in AI.
Before becoming chairman, he served on NVIDIA's audit and nominating and corporate governance committees. His long association with the company gives him considerable familiarity with its operations, leadership and business direction.
Also Read: Jensen Huang Quits NVIDIA as Colette Kress Becomes Interim CEO
Jones built his career in the semiconductor software industry. In 1981, he co-founded Daisy Systems, a computer-aided engineering company, where he served as president and CEO until 1987.
He subsequently joined Synopsys as president and CEO. During his leadership, the electronic design automation company went public in 1992. He later served as its executive chairman, remaining associated with the business until 1998.
In 1997, Jones co-founded Tensilica, a company specialising in processor intellectual property. He chaired its board until Cadence Design Systems acquired the business in 2013.
Also Read: Elon Musk Says Hiring NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Would Be an Honor
Jones holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from Georgetown University and a master's degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Since 2004, he has served as managing partner of Square Wave Ventures, a private investment firm. His experience spans technology businesses, corporate leadership and venture investing.
Also Read: NVIDIA Perps Plunge 12% as Board Weighs Jensen Huang's Removal
Jones' appointment gives NVIDIA a dedicated board chairman for the first time. His role is separate from that of the CEO: Kress will manage the company's day-to-day operations while Jones leads board oversight.
The immediate priority will be maintaining stability during the CEO search. With NVIDIA operating at the centre of the global AI industry, Jones will have an important role in overseeing its governance and leadership transition.