According to Forbes, Colette Kress has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion as of June 3, 2026. She built her fortune primarily through her career in corporate finance and her financial interests associated with NVIDIA, where she serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. NVIDIA’s 2026 proxy statement reports that she received total compensation of approximately $14.34 million for fiscal 2026, including stock awards.
Colette Kress has become one of the most financially successful women in the technology industry. As the executive vice president and chief financial officer of NVIDIA, she has played an important role in managing the finances of one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. Her professional success has also brought considerable attention to her personal wealth.
According to Forbes’ 2026 profile, Colette Kress has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion as of June 3, 2026. Forbes included her on its 2026 America’s Richest Self-Made Women list, identifying NVIDIA as her primary source of wealth.
Her financial success reflects decades of experience in corporate finance, leadership positions at major technology companies and her long association with NVIDIA. She joined the company in September 2013 and has remained a key member of its senior management team.
However, her wealth is not simply the result of an executive salary. Stock-based compensation and the value of her financial interests connected to NVIDIA are important factors in understanding her estimated fortune.
Here is a closer look at Colette Kress’s net worth, salary, career, education and professional achievements.
What Is Colette Kress Net Worth in 2026?
Colette Kress’s estimated net worth is $1.2 billion, according to Forbes’ profile updated on June 3, 2026.
She is among the wealthy women whose fortunes are associated with the technology industry, particularly the growth of NVIDIA.
Forbes identifies NVIDIA as her source of wealth and classifies her as self-made. This means her estimated fortune is primarily associated with her professional career and financial interests rather than an inherited fortune.
It is important to understand that the $1.2 billion figure is an estimate, not an officially published personal financial statement.
Neither NVIDIA nor Kress has publicly confirmed an exact personal net worth.
Colette Kress Net Worth Overview
| Financial detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated net worth | $1.2 billion |
| Net worth source | Forbes |
| Valuation date | June 3, 2026 |
| Primary source of wealth | NVIDIA |
| Profession | Corporate finance executive |
| Current position | NVIDIA Executive Vice President and CFO |
| Joined NVIDIA | September 2013 |
| Previous employers | Cisco, Microsoft and Texas Instruments |
| Education | University of Arizona and Southern Methodist University |
The estimated fortune reflects the financial opportunities associated with a senior executive career at a rapidly growing technology company.
How Did Colette Kress Build Her Billion-Dollar Fortune?
Colette Kress built her wealth through a long career in financial management and executive leadership.
Unlike technology entrepreneurs who establish companies and retain large ownership stakes, Kress developed her professional reputation by managing corporate finances, planning business strategies and overseeing financial operations.
Her career includes senior positions at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco before she joined NVIDIA.
Each position helped develop the experience that eventually made her a leading financial executive in the semiconductor industry.
1. Her Early Career at Texas Instruments
Kress began her professional career at Texas Instruments, a major American semiconductor and technology company.
She worked in several finance-related positions, gaining experience in corporate financial planning, business operations and financial management.
Working for a semiconductor company gave her exposure to the technology industry early in her career.
This experience later became valuable when she moved into senior finance positions at Microsoft and Cisco.
2. Her 13-Year Career at Microsoft
One of the most important stages of Kress’s career was her time at Microsoft.
She spent 13 years at the company, taking on several senior financial responsibilities.
During her Microsoft career, she served as chief financial officer of the Server and Tools division for four years.
The position involved overseeing financial operations for an important part of Microsoft’s business.
Her responsibilities included financial planning, reporting, business analysis and supporting strategic decisions.
Microsoft’s experience helped establish her reputation as an executive capable of managing complex financial operations at a major global technology company.
3. Her Leadership Position at Cisco
Before joining NVIDIA, Kress worked at Cisco.
She spent three years as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Cisco’s Business Technology and Operations Finance organization.
Her responsibilities covered financial strategy, planning, reporting and business development across the company’s business segments, engineering and operations.
The position gave her additional experience managing financial operations across a large international technology business.
It also strengthened her qualifications for the chief financial officer position at NVIDIA.
4. Joining NVIDIA in 2013
The biggest turning point in her professional and financial journey came in September 2013.
NVIDIA officially announced her appointment as executive vice president and chief financial officer on September 16, 2013.
At the time, the company was already an established technology business known for graphics processing units and computing technologies.
However, NVIDIA’s later expansion into artificial intelligence, data centres and accelerated computing would significantly increase its importance in the global technology industry.
As CFO, Kress became responsible for overseeing important financial functions as the company expanded its business.
Her long association with NVIDIA has been a major factor in the growth of her estimated personal wealth.
Colette Kress Salary: How Much Does NVIDIA Pay Its CFO?
Colette Kress receives a combination of salary, performance-based cash compensation and stock awards from NVIDIA.
The company’s annual proxy statement provides a useful breakdown of her reported executive compensation.
According to NVIDIA’s fiscal 2026 Summary Compensation Table, her total reported compensation was $14,340,850.
This was lower than her reported compensation in fiscal 2025, when she received $21,362,532.
Colette Kress’s NVIDIA Compensation History
The following figures are reported in NVIDIA’s 2026 proxy statement.
| Fiscal year | Salary | Stock awards | Cash incentive | Total compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $896,863 | $11,756,027 | $600,000 | $13,266,792 |
| 2025 | $893,739 | $19,849,891 | $600,000 | $21,362,532 |
| 2026 | $898,577 | $12,825,872 | $600,000 | $14,340,850 |
Figures are in US dollars. Totals also include other compensation, such as eligible benefits, so individual columns may not add up to the reported total.
The figures show that stock awards represent a substantial portion of Kress’s reported compensation.
Her annual base salary has remained relatively close to $900,000 over these three fiscal years, while the value of her stock awards has varied considerably.
Why Are Stock Awards Important to Her Compensation?
Stock-based compensation is a common feature of executive pay at large publicly traded technology companies.
Instead of receiving all compensation in cash, senior executives may receive company shares or performance-based stock units.
These awards can increase in market value when the company’s stock performs well.
For Kress, NVIDIA stock awards are particularly important because the company has experienced significant growth during the artificial intelligence boom.
However, there is an important distinction between the reported value of stock awards and cash actually received.
NVIDIA explains in its proxy statement that the stock-award figures represent grant-date fair value calculated under accounting standards. They do not necessarily represent the amount the executive received in cash or the current market value of shares.
Some awards also depend on performance targets and multi-year vesting requirements.
Therefore, her annual compensation should not be confused with her total personal net worth.
How NVIDIA’s Growth Helped Colette Kress Build Wealth
NVIDIA’s expansion has been one of the most important developments in the global technology industry.
The company initially became widely recognised for graphics processing units used in gaming and professional visual computing.
Over time, it expanded into artificial intelligence, data centres, high-performance computing, autonomous systems and enterprise computing.
The rapid development of generative AI created significant demand for advanced computing infrastructure.
NVIDIA’s products became central to many companies investing in AI systems and large-scale data centres.
As NVIDIA expanded, its financial performance and market valuation attracted increasing attention from investors.
This growth also made executive compensation and stock ownership more valuable.
For Kress, who joined the company in 2013, the timing and duration of her leadership position are important factors when examining her wealth.
Her estimated billionaire status illustrates how senior executives can accumulate substantial wealth through long-term participation in a successful publicly traded technology company.
However, NVIDIA’s market performance alone does not establish the exact value of her personal holdings.
Who Is Colette Kress? Biography and Personal Background
Colette Kress is an American corporate finance executive best known for serving as NVIDIA’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.
She has more than three decades of experience in financial management and technology-sector leadership.
Her professional background includes working at several major companies before joining NVIDIA.
Colette Kress Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Colette M. Kress |
| Profession | Corporate finance executive |
| Known for | NVIDIA CFO |
| Current company | NVIDIA |
| Joined NVIDIA | September 2013 |
| Previous companies | Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco |
| Bachelor’s degree | Finance |
| University | University of Arizona |
| MBA | Southern Methodist University |
NVIDIA’s official management biography confirms her education and professional background.
Colette Kress Education
Kress earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Arizona.
She later completed a Master of Business Administration degree at Southern Methodist University.
Her academic background provided a foundation for her career in corporate finance.
Her subsequent experience at major technology companies helped her develop the financial and management skills required for executive leadership.
What Does Colette Kress Do as NVIDIA CFO?
As chief financial officer, Colette Kress oversees important financial functions at NVIDIA.
Her role involves much more than reviewing financial statements.
The CFO is responsible for helping the company maintain financial discipline, manage resources and communicate its financial performance to investors.
Her responsibilities include:
- Financial planning and analysis.
- Corporate financial reporting.
- Budgeting and resource management.
- Financial strategy.
- Investor-related financial communication.
- Supporting business expansion and long-term planning.
- Managing financial risks and internal financial controls.
NVIDIA operates in a highly competitive technology environment.
The company must invest in research, product development, infrastructure and global operations while responding to changing customer demand.
Kress’s role is important because financial planning helps NVIDIA manage these investments while maintaining its business objectives.
Her position also places her among the senior executives responsible for overseeing the financial direction of the company.
Is Colette Kress a Billionaire?
Yes. Forbes classified Colette Kress as a billionaire in its 2026 America’s Richest Self-Made Women profile.
The publication estimated her net worth at $1.2 billion as of June 3, 2026.
Her billionaire status is associated with her financial interests in NVIDIA and her long executive career.
However, this figure should be understood as an estimated valuation rather than a confirmed amount of cash or liquid investments.
A person’s net worth generally includes the value of financial assets, investments and other property after accounting for liabilities.
For executives whose wealth is connected to publicly traded shares, the estimated value can change with the company’s stock price.
That means Kress’s estimated wealth may differ from one valuation date to another.
What Makes Colette Kress’s Career Different From Other Technology Executives?
Kress’s career is notable because she built her professional reputation through financial leadership rather than founding a technology company.
Many well-known technology billionaires are entrepreneurs who created businesses and retained significant ownership stakes.
Kress followed a different path.
She developed expertise through senior finance positions at established corporations.
Her experience at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco helped prepare her for the CFO position at NVIDIA.
Her career also demonstrates how finance executives can play important roles in the growth of major technology businesses.
A company’s success depends not only on product development and engineering but also on financial management, investment decisions and operational planning.
Her long tenure at NVIDIA places her among the executives who have overseen the company’s transformation into a major force in artificial intelligence and computing.
What Officials and Financial Reports Say About Colette Kress’s Wealth
There are two particularly useful sources for understanding Kress’s financial position.
Forbes’ 2026 profile: Forbes estimated her net worth at $1.2 billion as of June 3, 2026, and listed NVIDIA as her primary source of wealth.
NVIDIA’s 2026 proxy statement: The company’s official filing reported total fiscal 2026 compensation of $14,340,850 for Kress.
These sources measure different things.
Forbes provides an estimated personal net worth, while NVIDIA reports executive compensation.
The two figures should not be treated as interchangeable.
NVIDIA’s filing is especially useful because it separates salary, stock awards, incentive compensation and other benefits.
The filing also explains that the reported value of stock awards is calculated using grant-date accounting values rather than actual cash payments.
This distinction is essential for readers trying to understand how executive wealth is accumulated.
What Happens Next for Colette Kress?
As of November 12, 2026, NVIDIA’s official management website continues to identify Colette Kress as its executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Her future financial position will depend on several factors, including her continued executive career, compensation arrangements, vested equity awards and the performance of her investments.
NVIDIA’s stock performance will remain an important factor in any estimate that includes her company-related financial interests.
However, there is no publicly confirmed announcement establishing a new personal net worth figure beyond the Forbes estimate discussed above.
For readers following her financial journey, future Forbes updates and NVIDIA proxy statements will provide useful information.
The company’s next executive compensation disclosures will also help explain changes in her reported salary and stock awards.
For now, the most reliable published estimate remains Forbes’ $1.2 billion valuation dated June 3, 2026.
Conclusion
Colette Kress’s estimated $1.2 billion net worth reflects a long career in corporate finance and her association with NVIDIA.
Before joining NVIDIA in 2013, she developed her experience through senior positions at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco.
Her compensation at NVIDIA includes a substantial stock-based component, which helps explain why her financial position is connected to the company’s long-term performance.
Although her exact personal holdings and liabilities are not publicly established, Forbes’ 2026 billionaire estimate and NVIDIA’s official compensation disclosures provide a credible starting point for understanding her wealth.
Her career is also an example of how financial leadership can create significant opportunities in the global technology industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Colette Kress net worth in 2026?
Colette Kress has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, according to Forbes’ profile dated June 3, 2026. Her primary source of wealth is associated with NVIDIA.
2. Is Colette Kress a billionaire?
Yes. Forbes included Colette Kress on its 2026 America’s Richest Self-Made Women list with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
3. What is Colette Kress’s annual salary at NVIDIA?
NVIDIA reported a base salary of $898,577 for Colette Kress in fiscal 2026. Her total reported compensation, including stock awards and other compensation, was $14,340,850.
4. How much did Colette Kress earn in 2025?
According to NVIDIA’s proxy statement, Colette Kress received total reported compensation of $21,362,532 in fiscal 2025, including $19,849,891 in stock awards.
5. What is Colette Kress famous for?
Colette Kress is best known as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of NVIDIA. She is responsible for overseeing important financial operations and strategy at the technology company.
6. When did Colette Kress join NVIDIA?
Colette Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 after working at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco.
7. Where did Colette Kress study?
Colette Kress earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
8. How did Colette Kress become wealthy?
Her wealth is associated with her long career in corporate finance, her senior executive position at NVIDIA and financial interests connected to the company.
9. Did Colette Kress work at Microsoft?
Yes. She spent 13 years at Microsoft, including four years as chief financial officer of its Server and Tools division.
10. Does Colette Kress own NVIDIA shares?
NVIDIA’s compensation disclosures document stock awards granted to her. However, the exact current value of all her personal NVIDIA holdings and investments is not established by those compensation figures.
11. Is Colette Kress richer than NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang?
No. Forbes’ 2026 billionaire profile estimates Kress’s net worth at $1.2 billion. Jensen Huang’s wealth is substantially higher, largely because of his significant NVIDIA ownership stake.
12. Is Colette Kress still NVIDIA’s CFO in November 2026?
Yes. NVIDIA’s official management website identifies her as the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.
