Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid FBI probe into personal relationships

Nvidia's board announced on Thursday that Jensen Huang has resigned as chief executive and will be succeeded on an interim basis by chief financial officer Colette Kress. The decision follows an internal review triggered by reports that Huang had personal relationships with two women, one of whom is suspected of acting as a Chinese intelligence asset. The board said it has engaged an external firm to assess succession options and has launched an independent investigation, overseen by independent directors and outside counsel, to examine any potential national-security implications.

Shares of Nvidia fell about 9 % in pre-market trading after the announcement, adding to a week in which the company's market value declined by roughly $400 billion following the disclosures. The board emphasized that it sees no evidence that company secrets were compromised, but said protecting U.S. national and economic security remains a priority.

The woman identified as a possible Chinese intelligence asset, Alice Huang, is a Chinese citizen who previously held senior roles at a Singapore-based data-centre firm and has a background in Chinese state media and finance. Nvidia's vice-president of healthcare, Kimberly Powell, was also named in the reports; video footage from a March conference showed the two appearing affectionate, prompting scrutiny under Nvidia's code of conduct, which requires employees to avoid conflicts arising from personal relationships.

President Donald Trump, who has a longstanding professional relationship with Huang, said Huang "did an amazing job for the United States" and suggested he should remain in his role. Huang responded that he is committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting U.S. national security.

The investigation will assess all available information, with the board stating that its priority is to safeguard both the company's and the nation's interests.