In a significant corporate development, Nvidia Corporation, the semiconductor giant now valued at over $4 trillion, has announced the departure of director Persis Drell from its board. The resignation was formally disclosed in a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) on January 23, as reported by Bloomberg.
Resignation Details and Financial Windfall
According to the filing, Drell is stepping down to "pursue a new professional opportunity." The document emphasized that her departure is amicable, stating she is not leaving due to "any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices." However, the specific nature of her new role remains undisclosed.
Drell's exit comes with a substantial financial reward. As per a CNBC report citing Nvidia's latest holdings data, she holds approximately 143,000 Nvidia shares, valued at around $26 million. This represents a staggering 22,000% increase in value since she joined the board in 2015, reflecting Nvidia's explosive growth from a chipmaker to the world's most valuable company.
Board Role and Compensation
During her tenure, Drell served on the compensation committee of the Santa Clara, California-based company. Her annual compensation for the last year on the board was $344,000, which included $259,000 in stock awards. Notably, in 2025, she sold about 40,000 of her Nvidia shares, as detailed in the annual report.
Background of Persis Drell
Persis Drell is a distinguished academic with a robust profile. According to Bloomberg, she is a professor of physics, materials science, and engineering at Stanford University in California and has served as the provost of the institution. CNBC adds that she has been a professor at Stanford since 2002, with leadership roles including:
- Dean of Stanford's engineering school from 2014 to 2017.
- Provost of Stanford University from 2017 to 2023.
- Director of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) from 2007 to 2012.
Nvidia's 2025 proxy filing indicates she is 69 years old, underscoring her extensive experience in both academia and corporate governance.
Impact on Nvidia's Board Structure
Drell's resignation marks only the second departure from Nvidia's board in recent times, following astronaut Ellen Ochoa's exit in June. With her departure, the board now comprises 10 directors, including CEO Jensen Huang. Spokespeople for Huang-led Nvidia have not immediately responded to queries regarding this change, as per the Bloomberg report.
Key Takeaways from the Resignation
This event highlights several critical aspects of the tech industry and corporate governance:
- Lucrative Board Positions: Drell's $26 million stake exemplifies how board roles in high-growth tech firms like Nvidia can yield significant financial returns, driven by stock appreciation.
- Corporate Evolution: Her departure signals ongoing shifts in Nvidia's leadership dynamics as the company continues to expand and adapt in the competitive semiconductor market.
- Market Performance: The 22,000% surge in Nvidia's stock price since 2015 underscores its dominant market position and robust growth trajectory, making it a benchmark in the industry.
As Nvidia navigates this transition, stakeholders will be watching closely for any further changes in its board composition and strategic direction.
