Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang has resigned as chief executive officer and president of the artificial intelligence chipmaking giant, effective immediately, following a widening controversy involving extramarital affairs and allegations of possible foreign intelligence involvement.
The company confirmed his departure on Thursday, November 12, 2026, bringing an abrupt end to his 33-year leadership of one of the world’s most influential technology companies.
Huang has also stepped down from Nvidia’s board of directors. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent successor.
His resignation follows reports of two extramarital relationships, including one allegedly involving Alice Huang, a business executive suspected by US intelligence officials of having links to Chinese intelligence. Those suspicions remain allegations, and there has been no public finding that Jensen Huang knowingly participated in espionage.
The controversy intensified after reports emerged of a separate relationship involving Kimberly Powell, an Nvidia executive. The revelations raised questions about corporate governance, potential conflicts of interest and national security.
On November 8, Huang publicly apologised to his family, employees and shareholders, acknowledging that he had been unfaithful to his wife and accepting responsibility for his conduct.
Nvidia’s board subsequently launched an independent investigation into reports that Huang may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The company stressed that it had no reason to believe its confidential information or US national security had been compromised.
The leadership crisis rattled investors, sending Nvidia shares sharply lower and raising concerns about the company’s future direction. Nvidia plays a central role in the global artificial intelligence industry, supplying advanced processors used by major technology companies to develop and operate AI systems.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and transformed the company from a graphics-chip manufacturer into a dominant force in artificial intelligence computing. His departure leaves the company facing a major leadership transition during a period of intense competition and geopolitical scrutiny.
Kress, who has served as Nvidia’s finance chief since 2013, will oversee the transition. The board has indicated that it will consider both internal and external candidates for the permanent CEO position.
Harvey C. Jones has also been named chairman of Nvidia’s board.
The company says it expects operations, customer commitments and its technology development roadmap to continue without interruption.
Nvidia is scheduled to release its next quarterly financial results on November 17, an announcement that will be closely watched by investors seeking clarity about the company’s outlook following Huang’s departure.
The resignation marks a dramatic turning point for the company Huang helped build and leaves significant questions about its leadership, governance and future at the centre of the global AI industry.







