NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has stepped down with immediate effect amid controversy over reported personal relationships and scrutiny surrounding alleged Chinese intelligence links. CFO Colette Kress will take charge as interim CEO.
In a major leadership shake-up at one of the world’s most valuable technology companies, NVIDIA CEO and co-founder Jensen Huang has resigned as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.
The announcement was made by NVIDIA’s Board of Directors on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The development comes amid growing scrutiny following reports of Huang’s alleged relationship with a woman suspected by US authorities of having links to Chinese intelligence.
Following Huang’s departure, NVIDIA has appointed its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, as Interim Chief Executive Officer. She will continue to hold her CFO responsibilities while leading the company until a permanent successor is appointed.
NVIDIA Begins Search for Permanent CEO
The company’s board has initiated a formal search for a new chief executive and will consider both internal and external candidates for the position.
In its official announcement, NVIDIA confirmed that Kress had agreed to take charge as interim CEO and would continue overseeing the company’s financial operations during the leadership transition.
Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 and has played a significant role in managing the company’s financial operations during its rapid expansion, particularly amid the global boom in artificial intelligence and semiconductor demand.
Before joining NVIDIA, she held senior finance positions at major technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.
Harvey C. Jones Appointed First-Ever Board Chairman
In another significant development, NVIDIA has appointed veteran technology executive and investor Harvey C. Jones as the company’s first-ever Chair of the Board.
Jones previously served as CEO and Executive Chairman of Synopsys and brings extensive experience in the technology and semiconductor industries.
Welcoming Kress’s appointment, Jones expressed confidence in her leadership, highlighting her understanding of NVIDIA’s business, customers, operations and financial position.
He also said the company had an experienced leadership team capable of executing its business strategy and advancing its technology roadmap.
The board expects NVIDIA’s business operations, customer commitments and product development plans to continue without interruption during the transition.
NVIDIA Shares Fall More Than 10%
The leadership announcement triggered a negative reaction in the stock market. NVIDIA shares fell more than 10 per cent in pre-market trading following news of Huang’s resignation.
Investors are closely watching how the leadership change could affect the company’s business strategy, artificial intelligence investments and future growth prospects.
Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and played a central role in transforming the company from a graphics processing chip manufacturer into a global leader in AI computing.
His sudden departure marks a major turning point for the semiconductor giant as it prepares for a new leadership era.
The company is now beginning the search for a permanent CEO, with Colette Kress taking charge during the transition.
