Nvidia has announced the sudden departure of its longtime CEO and co-founder Jensen Huang, sending shockwaves through the global technology industry. His exit follows reports about personal relationships and a growing national security controversy.
On Thursday, November 12, 2026, Nvidia confirmed that Huang had resigned as president, chief executive officer and board member, effective immediately.
The announcement ends more than three decades of leadership by the executive who helped transform Nvidia into one of the world’s most valuable technology companies.
The company appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO. Harvey C. Jones also became Nvidia’s first board chairman.
The controversy intensified after reports linked Huang to a businesswoman whom US intelligence officials suspect of working for China. Beijing has rejected the espionage allegations.
Nvidia’s board launched an independent investigation on November 8 to examine possible national security concerns. Huang acknowledged an extramarital relationship and agreed to cooperate with the inquiry.
Further reports alleged another relationship involving a senior Nvidia executive. The board subsequently reviewed Huang’s leadership, although the company officially described his departure as a resignation rather than a dismissal.
The developments triggered a sharp reaction on Wall Street. Nvidia shares fell more than 12 percent during early trading on Thursday, threatening to erase approximately $500 billion in market value.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and led its transformation from a graphics chip manufacturer into a global artificial intelligence powerhouse.
His departure now raises questions about the company’s future strategy, leadership stability and relationships with major technology partners.
Nvidia said its operations, customer commitments and product plans would continue without interruption.
Kress will lead the company while the board searches for a permanent successor. Nvidia plans to consider both internal and external candidates.
The leadership change comes as competition in artificial intelligence intensifies worldwide.
Investors will now watch whether Nvidia can maintain its dominant position in AI chips without the executive who shaped its rise.
