Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer, ending his 33-year leadership of the chipmaker amid growing controversy surrounding reports of personal relationships and alleged national security concerns.
The company announced on November 12, 2026, that Huang had resigned with immediate effect and would also leave its board. Colette Kress, Nvidia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed interim CEO while the board begins its search for a permanent successor, considering both internal and external candidates.
Pressure had been mounting on the 63-year-old executive following reports of 2 extramarital affairs, including one involving a senior Nvidia employee who reportedly reported directly to him. The developments prompted the company’s board to meet on Wednesday to discuss his position.
The controversy also involves Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman whom US intelligence officials have reportedly suspected of passing information to Beijing. Nvidia launched an independent investigation into the matter, while US authorities are also examining the allegations. However, the US Justice Department has not reached a conclusion on whether Alice Huang was acting as a Chinese spy. China has denied involvement in any effort to compromise the Nvidia chief.
US President Donald Trump previously said Huang told him that he had no knowledge of the woman’s alleged intelligence links. Trump also confirmed that the FBI was looking into the matter.
Nvidia has said it found no reason to suspect a breach of national security or the company’s internal secrets, while confirming that its investigation would review all available information.
Huang’s departure comes at a critical time for Nvidia, which has emerged as a leading manufacturer of semiconductors powering artificial intelligence systems. His engagement with US policymakers also helped secure approval from the Trump administration in January for exports of H200 chips to China.
Following the announcement, Nvidia shares fell approximately 13% in premarket trading on Thursday. The stock had already lost more than a third of its value since reaching a record high last month, wiping out around $1.7 trillion in market capitalisation.
The company is scheduled to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2027 results on November 17, followed by an earnings call at 2 p.m. PT. Investors will be watching how the leadership transition and ongoing investigations affect the company’s outlook.
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