Nvidia appoints interim CEO as Jensen Huang resigns amid scandal
Jensen Huang stepped down as Nvidia chief executive after 33 years; the board named CFO Colette Kress as interim CEO and hired Harvey Jones as chair while investigations continue.
Nvidia announced on Thursday that founder Jensen Huang has resigned as chief executive after more than three decades at the helm. The board appointed chief financial officer Colette Kress as interim CEO and selected tech investor Harvey Jones as the company’s first chairperson.
The resignation follows a board-initiated investigation into allegations that Huang had an extramarital relationship with a woman identified by U.S. officials as a Chinese intelligence operative, as well as reports of another affair with a company executive. Huang issued a company-wide email apologising for the affair without naming the other party.
House Speaker Mike Johnson described the development as “big and shocking” but said Huang “did the right thing” in stepping down. He added that further congressional questioning could occur if the House so decides.
President Donald Trump, who has previously praised Huang, defended the former CEO, calling him “an honorable guy” and noting his contributions to the U.S. economy and national security.
Nvidia’s board said it has launched a search for a permanent chief executive and will consider both internal and external candidates. The company’s shares fell sharply after the news, extending a decline that had already put the stock below its recent highs.
Analysts noted that while Huang’s departure creates uncertainty, Nvidia’s core AI chip technology remains a critical component of the broader AI ecosystem and is likely to sustain the company’s market position.