Jensen Huang resigns as Nvidia CEO following reports of two extramarital affairs, including one involving a woman suspected by US authorities of having links to Chinese intelligence.
Nvidia confirmed Huang’s immediate departure on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The company’s board appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim chief executive while it searches for a permanent replacement.
The board said it would consider both internal and external candidates for the position. It also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever board chairman.
Huang, 63, co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and led its growth into one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Its processors power major artificial intelligence systems and data centres.
His resignation followed reports of two alleged extramarital relationships. The Wall Street Journal reported that one involved a businesswoman suspected by US officials of working for Chinese intelligence.
Reports also linked Huang to an Nvidia employee. The allegations prompted the company’s board to launch an investigation into his conduct and possible security implications. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s shares came under pressure following the developments. Reuters reported that the company’s stock fell by more than 10% in premarket trading on Thursday.
The controversy has also drawn a response from Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged Washington not to use the allegations as an excuse to impose further technology restrictions on China.
She said China’s technological development depended on independent innovation and international cooperation.
Nvidia has not publicly attributed Huang’s resignation to the allegations in its announcement. The board’s investigation and the search for a permanent chief executive remain important developments in the company’s leadership transition.
