The key facts

  • Jensen Huang resigned as CEO and board member of Nvidia after 33 years at the helm.
  • CFO Colette Kress was appointed interim chief executive, and the board began searching for a permanent successor.
  • The resignation came amid an investigation into Huang's ties with a woman suspected of spying for China and his admission of marital infidelity.

Nvidia Founder's Resignation

Nvidia's board of directors accepted Jensen Huang's resignation as CEO and board member, ending his 33-year tenure leading the company. CFO Colette Kress was appointed interim chief executive, while the board began searching for a permanent successor, considering both internal and external candidates. Huang also left the board of directors with immediate effect, losing his status as the fourth-largest shareholder with a stake of about 3.61%.

Causes and Investigation

The decision to resign followed publications about an alleged espionage operation targeting Huang and his romantic relationships. In early November, the company launched an independent investigation after reports that US intelligence agencies suspected businesswoman Alice Huang of collaborating with Chinese intelligence; Beijing rejected these accusations as baseless. In an open letter to employees, Huang admitted to marital infidelity and apologized to his family and colleagues. Later, The New York Times reported a second affair with Vice President of Healthcare Kimberly Powell, who reported directly to him.

Market Reaction and Political Context

Nvidia shares fell 13% in the first hours of trading after the resignation was announced, resulting in a loss of about $800 billion in market value since the first reports emerged. The political reaction was divided: US President Donald Trump backed Huang, calling him an honest man, while Republican leaders of three House committees demanded a closed briefing. Earlier, Huang had actively lobbied for easing restrictions on chip exports to China, and in December 2025 Trump approved sales of H200 chips on the condition that the US government receive 25% of the revenue.