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Jensen Huang Resigns as Nvidia CEO After Scandal: Colette Kress Takes Charge as AI Giant Faces Shock Leadership Crisis
The decision marks a stunning turn for the 63-year-old technology executive, who spent 33 years building Nvidia into one of the world’s most influential semiconductor companies and a central force behind the global AI boom.
Nvidia has been hit by a dramatic leadership shake-up after Jensen Huang resigned as president and chief executive officer with immediate effect, bringing an extraordinary chapter in the artificial intelligence industry to an abrupt end. The departure follows weeks of controversy surrounding reports of alleged extramarital relationships and growing pressure on the company’s leadership.
The Nvidia board of directors announced the resignation on November 12, 2026, confirming that Huang had also stepped down as a board member. Colette Kress, the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO while the board begins searching for a permanent successor.
The decision marks a stunning turn for the 63-year-old technology executive, who spent 33 years building Nvidia into one of the world’s most influential semiconductor companies and a central force behind the global AI boom.
Jensen Huang’s Nvidia Exit Follows Mounting Controversy
The leadership change comes after reports about Jensen Huang‘s alleged relationships triggered scrutiny and questions about his position at Nvidia.
Reuters reported on November 12 that Jensen Huang had an intimate relationship with a second Nvidia employee, citing two people familiar with the matter. The report followed earlier allegations involving Alice Huang and Nvidia vice president Kimberly Powell. Reuters said it was not naming the second employee and that Nvidia declined to comment.
Huang acknowledged an affair in a November 8 statement, according to Reuters, although he did not identify the person involved by name. Nvidia’s board had earlier launched an investigation led by independent directors and outside legal counsel into whether Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The board had expressed confidence in him at that stage.
The allegations and subsequent leadership developments have placed the company at the center of an extraordinary corporate crisis. However, the claims concerning the individuals named in reports remain allegations, and the company has not publicly detailed the findings of its investigation.
Colette Kress Becomes Interim Nvidia CEO
Nvidia has turned to an experienced insider to manage the transition. Kress, who joined the company in September 2013, will continue as CFO while taking on the interim CEO role.
During her time at Nvidia, she has overseen the finance organization and played a significant part in the company’s expansion. Before joining the semiconductor giant, Kress spent nearly 25 years in finance positions at major technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.
The board will consider both internal and external candidates for the permanent CEO position.
Harvey C. Jones has also been appointed as Nvidia’s first-ever chair of the board. An entrepreneur, technology executive and venture investor, Jones previously served as CEO and executive chairman of Synopsys.
Jones said Kress has a deep understanding of Nvidia’s business, customers, operations and financial position. He added that the board expects the company’s operations, customer commitments and product roadmap to continue without interruption.
Nvidia’s AI Dominance Faces a New Test
Jensen Huang’s departure comes at a critical moment for the artificial intelligence industry. Nvidia’s processors have become essential infrastructure for companies developing and operating advanced AI systems. The company has also used its financial strength and partnerships with cloud computing businesses and AI laboratories to support the wider ecosystem built around its technology.
The leadership transition therefore carries implications beyond Nvidia’s headquarters. Investors, customers and technology partners will be watching closely to see whether the company can maintain its momentum under new leadership.
Nvidia shares fell 5.5% on Thursday amid active trading, according to Reuters. The stock has also shed more than 30% of its value since its early October peak, adding another layer of pressure during an already turbulent period.
Kress said the company’s priorities remain advancing accelerated computing and AI while serving customers, partners, developers and shareholders.
Nvidia is scheduled to report its third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results on November 17, followed by an earnings call. The results will offer an early opportunity for investors to assess the company’s performance as it enters a new leadership era.
For Nvidia, the challenge now is to prove that the business Huang spent more than three decades building can continue to lead the AI revolution without its most recognizable figure at the helm.
