Jensen Huang, co-founder of Nvidia, has resigned from his position as CEO, effective immediately, amidst an escalating espionage investigation that threatens the company he helped transform into an AI leader.
The resignation announcement was made by Nvidia, with Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress stepping in as interim CEO while the board seeks a long-term successor from both internal and external candidates.
Huang’s exit follows his recent public admission of infidelity, coupled with Nvidia’s board revealing an independent investigation into claims that he may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence service.
In a heartfelt apology shared on November 8, Huang expressed regret for his actions, stating, “My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry.” Notably, he did not disclose any specifics regarding the individual involved.
Reports from intelligence officials have pointed to a Chinese businesswoman with connections to Huang as a significant figure in gathering sensitive information for Beijing, prompting serious national security implications concerning the leadership of a crucial tech company.
JUST IN: Nvidia just made it OFFICIAL, JENSEN HUANG is OUT as CEO, President and member of the Board
Shockwaves.
“Board of Directors announced today that Jensen Huang has resigned as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board, effective immediately.”
“Colette Kress, current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NVIDIA, has agreed to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer.”
He founded Nvidia 33 years ago and was its ONLY CEO — until today
The board is already searching for a permanent replacement.
This follows reports he was being pushed out over two affairs — one with a suspected CHINESE SPY
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 12, 2026
Nvidia has formed a committee of independent directors, with assistance from outside legal counsel, to manage the investigation. Upon its announcement, the board stated there was no current evidence that national security or proprietary information had been compromised, but the inquiry will scrutinize all relevant data.
Chinese authorities have refuted the espionage allegations, branding them as a campaign to tarnish China’s global image.
This leadership turmoil signifies a dramatic shift for Nvidia, a company that evolved from a small graphics startup into a pivotal provider of the hardware essential for AI model development and operation.
Founded in 1993 by Huang alongside Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem, Nvidia emerged from brainstorming sessions in a California diner, originally aiming to revolutionize 3D graphics in gaming and multimedia. Today, Nvidia’s innovations lie at the core of the rapidly advancing AI industry.
