Can Tim Cook really replace Jensen Huang as Nvidia CEO? Here is what an Apple expert said

Nvidia is looking for a new permanent CEO after Jensen Huang decided to leave the company amid multiple affair allegations. The chipmaker has appointed its chief financial officer, Colette Kress, as interim CEO. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has suggested that former Apple CEO Tim Cook could be a suitable replacement for Huang. However, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that taking charge of Nvidia may not be easy for Cook. While his experience at Apple may help Nvidia manage costs, Kuo feels that replacing Huang's technical vision and ability to develop new products would be a major challenge.

What did the Apple analyst say about Tim Cook leading Nvidia?

Kuo shared his views on X (formerly Twitter) that Cook should become Nvidia's next CEO. According to the analyst, Cook's biggest strength would be his ability to manage costs and improve supply chain operations.

Kuo believes Nvidia still has room to improve how it manages its supply chain and controls expenses. Cook spent more than a decade managing Apple's global supply chain. His experience could help Nvidia make its operations more efficient and reduce costs.

Kuo explained, "Trump says Tim Cook is the best person to take Jensen Huang’s place as Nvidia CEO, but I think where Cook’s strengths would shine most is cost management. Having watched Apple’s supply chain management from the sidelines for more than 10 years, and comparing that with what I’ve learned tracking and researching Nvidia in recent years, I think Nvidia still has clear room for improvement in supply chain and cost management."

However, Kuo pointed out that managing costs is not the only responsibility of a CEO at Nvidia. The company also needs someone who can lead technological development and bring new products to the market.

Also read: ‘I am a piece of sh**’: Inside Jensen Huang’s final hours before Nvidia exit

Why replacing Jensen Huang could be difficult for Tim Cook

Kuo believes that replacing Huang's technical vision could be Cook's biggest challenge. He said Nvidia's success depends on creating advanced AI chips and introducing new technologies at a fast pace. Under Huang's leadership, Nvidia transformed from a graphics chipmaker into one of the world's leading companies in AI computing. 

Kuo said, "As for everything else, especially the most important part, planning and developing new technologies, this isn’t just about Cook. So far, the only CEO who has clearly proven he can do this well, bringing humanity’s most cutting-edge technologies from across fields into AI chips and rack solutions while keeping up a fast pace of commercial iteration, is Jensen Huang. (Of course, others will likely prove they can do this well in the future too.)"

Also read: Jensen Huang third affair: Alleged relationship with another Nvidia employee adds to controversy

His comments suggest that while Cook could bring valuable business and management experience to Nvidia, matching Huang's technical leadership would be a different challenge. Nvidia needs someone who can manage its business while continuing to push the boundaries of AI technology.