Nvidia is facing a major leadership shake-up after its co-founder and longtime chief executive, Jensen Huang, resigned with immediate effect amid controversy surrounding an admitted extramarital affair and allegations involving a suspected Chinese intelligence operation.
The announcement was made by Nvidia’s board on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The company named its Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, as interim chief executive while preparations begin to appoint a permanent replacement.
Huang has also relinquished his seat on the company’s board.
What Led to Huang’s Departure?
The crisis centres on reports concerning Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang, a business executive associated with Singapore-based technology company Megaspeed International.
US intelligence officials reportedly suspect Alice Huang of having links to Chinese intelligence, although the allegations have not been established as proven facts.
On November 8, Jensen Huang acknowledged in a message to Nvidia employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He apologised to his family and colleagues and said he would cooperate fully with an independent investigation launched by the company’s board.
Nvidia subsequently appointed independent directors and external legal advisers to oversee the inquiry.
The situation became more complicated after The New York Times reported a separate alleged relationship between Huang and a senior executive at Nvidia.
That report added to pressure surrounding the company’s leadership, although the second allegation has not been confirmed by Huang.
Colette Kress Becomes Interim Chief Executive
Nvidia’s board has appointed Colette Kress to manage the company during the transition.
Kress joined Nvidia in September 2013 and has served as its executive vice president and chief financial officer.
The board said it would consider both internal and external candidates in its search for a permanent CEO.
Harvey C. Jones, a technology entrepreneur and investor, has also been appointed as the company’s first-ever chairman of the board.
Stock Market Reacts to Leadership Change
The announcement triggered a sharp reaction in financial markets, with Nvidia shares falling more than 13 per cent shortly after US trading opened on Thursday, according to the reported market figures.
Investors are monitoring the possible effects of the leadership change on the company’s operations, reputation and long-term strategy.
Nvidia has become a central player in the global artificial intelligence industry, supplying advanced processors that power AI development, data centres and other computing systems.
Huang co-founded the company in 1993 and guided its rise into one of the world’s most valuable technology businesses.
Investigation Leaves Questions Unanswered
The FBI is reportedly investigating the allegations involving the suspected foreign intelligence operation.
Nvidia’s board previously stated that it had no reason to believe that company secrets or national security had been compromised, but said its investigation would examine the available information.
Huang’s resignation does not, by itself, establish that espionage took place or that Nvidia’s technology was compromised.
The coming weeks are expected to be important for the company as investigators examine the allegations and the board works to secure a permanent leadership arrangement.
