Jensen Huang has resigned as chief executive of Nvidia after 33 years, ending a chaotic week that shook the world’s most important AI chip company. The board announced the move on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
Who Takes Over
Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress is now interim CEO and keeps her finance role while the board searches for a permanent successor. Candidates from inside and outside the company are being considered. Harvey Jones was named Nvidia’s first-ever board chair in the same announcement. The board says operations, customer commitments and the product roadmap will continue without interruption.
What Triggered the Exit
The crisis began when Huang admitted to an extramarital affair and apologised to his family and colleagues. The board said it would investigate whether he was the target of a foreign intelligence effort. Reports linked him to a Chinese national who works for a Singapore-based Nvidia customer, whom US officials reportedly suspect of working with Chinese intelligence. None of this has been proven publicly.
A later report claimed he also had a relationship with an executive who reports to him. That appears to have forced the board’s hand.
Why Markets Reacted
Nvidia shares fell by more than 10 per cent in pre-market trading. Huang has been closely tied to the company’s identity since he founded it in 1993. He bet early that graphics chips would power AI training, and that bet turned Nvidia into the centre of the global AI buildout. His close relationship with US President Donald Trump also gave him influence over AI policy. Investors now face the question of how Nvidia runs without him.
Timeline of Events
- Sunday, 8 November: Huang admits to an affair. The board says it is investigating a possible foreign intelligence effort, but says it has confidence in him and no reason to believe national security or company secrets were compromised.
- Early in the week: Trump publicly defends Huang, calling him an honourable man.
- Wednesday, 11 November: A new report alleges a second affair, with a subordinate executive. The board meets that night to weigh his future.
- Thursday, 12 November: Nvidia announces Huang’s resignation and Kress’s appointment. Shares slide sharply before the market opens.
What Comes Next
The search for a permanent CEO will be closely watched by customers, rivals and regulators. The investigation into the intelligence allegations is also unresolved, so more details may emerge.
