Jensen Huang resigns from Nvidia after 33 years: Board names Colette Kress interim CEO amid affair reports and China probe allegations

Jensen Huang has resigned as Nvidia’s president, CEO and board member with immediate effect, ending his 33-year leadership of the chipmaker. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress will take over as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor, according to Nvidia's announcement.

The board said it would consider both internal and external candidates. It also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chairman. Jones, a technology executive and venture investor with more than 30 years of experience, previously served as CEO and executive chairman of Synopsys.

The announcement comes amid reports about Huang’s personal relationships and questions surrounding Nvidia’s links to companies under scrutiny over alleged attempts to evade US export controls.

Jensen Huang resigns: Colette Kress takes charge as Nvidia searches for a successor

Kress joined Nvidia in September 2013 and has led its finance operations. Before that, she spent nearly 25 years in finance roles at technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.

Jones said Kress understands Nvidia’s business, customers, operations and finances. He added that the company’s experienced leadership team would help ensure its operations, customer commitments and product roadmap continue without interruption.

Kress said she was committed to building on the foundation Huang created over the past 33 years, with a focus on customers, partners, developers and shareholders.

Reports about Huang's relationships put Nvidia under scrutiny

Huang’s resignation follows reports about alleged relationships with Alice Huang, a businesswoman believed by the US intelligence community to be a Chinese spy, and Kimberly Powell, an Nvidia vice president overseeing healthcare.

CNBC reported that Huang apologised on Sunday for being unfaithful to his wife but did not provide details about his relationship with Alice Huang. She worked for Megaspeed, a Chinese company and Nvidia customer. The New York Times separately reported that Huang had an affair with Powell.

Huang has denied compromising national security or sharing Nvidia secrets. Nvidia’s board hired law firm Wachtell Lipton to investigate the intelligence allegations, CNBC reported.

The reports have also raised questions about Nvidia’s exposure to companies in Singapore and Malaysia that allegedly evaded US export controls to obtain its technology.

Jensen Huang resigned: His departure raises questions about Nvidia's future

Huang has been a central figure in the AI industry, shaping Nvidia’s growth as demand for its chips surged. The company’s shares have risen about 14-fold since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022.

He also built close ties with US President Donald Trump and played an influential role in discussions over AI policy and chip exports to China.

Jeff Christian, CEO of executive search firm Christian and Timbers, described Huang as “Mr. AI” and said he speaks for the industry, as per CNBC report. His influence also extends through Nvidia’s investments, partnerships and financial backing for companies buying its chips.

Nvidia is scheduled to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2027 results on November 17, with an earnings call later that day.