- Jensen Huang has resigned as NVIDIA CEO after more than 33 years at the company.
- CFO Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO.
- Harvey C. Jones has become NVIDIA's first-ever board chair.
NVIDIA co-founder Jensen Huang resigns as the company’s president and chief executive officer, bringing an end to more than three decades at the helm of one of the world’s most dominant semiconductor companies.
The company’s board of directors announced the leadership change today, confirming that Huang’s resignation takes effect immediately. NVIDIA has appointed its current executive vice president and chief financial officer, Colette Kress, as interim CEO while it begins searching for a permanent successor to the position.
Colette Kress takes over as NVIDIA’s interim CEO
Following Huang’s departure, NVIDIA has appointed Colette Kress to lead the company on an interim basis.
Kress will retain her existing responsibilities as executive vice president and CFO while serving as interim chief executive. According to NVIDIA’s official announcement, the board will consider both internal and external candidates when selecting a permanent CEO.
Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 and has led its finance organization through a period of substantial business expansion. Before joining the semiconductor company, she spent nearly 25 years in finance positions at major technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.
NVIDIA’s board expressed confidence in Kress and its existing leadership team, stating that the company’s operations, customer commitments, and product roadmap are expected to continue without interruption.
As of now, the company has not announced a timeline for appointing a permanent chief executive.
NVIDIA appoints its first-ever board chair
Alongside the CEO transition, NVIDIA has announced another important change to its corporate leadership structure.
The company has appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chair of the board of directors. Jones is an experienced technology executive and venture investor who previously served as CEO and executive chairman of Synopsys.
He has also been a member of NVIDIA’s board since the company’s founding in 1993.
In his new position, Jones will lead the board during the transition and the search for Huang’s permanent replacement. He also expressed confidence in Kress’s ability to oversee the company during this period.
Why did Jensen Huang resign from NVIDIA?
Huang’s resignation follows a period of intense scrutiny surrounding his personal relationships and their potential implications for NVIDIA.
According to reporting by TechCrunch and Ars Technica, the rumors included Huang confirming a relationship with a woman whom US authorities reportedly suspect of having links to Chinese intelligence. Reports also described a separate alleged relationship involving a senior NVIDIA executive.
These revelations led to questions about corporate governance and potential national security concerns. NVIDIA’s board had previously addressed the matter, while reports indicated that US authorities were examining the circumstances.
However, it is important to distinguish reported allegations from established findings. The available reporting does not establish that NVIDIA’s confidential information was compromised or that Huang was involved in spying.
The circumstances surrounding his resignation are therefore significant, but the company’s official announcement does not identify a specific reason for his departure.
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NVIDIA shares face pressure following leadership change
Huang’s resignation also comes at a challenging time for NVIDIA’s stock.
According to reports (via TechCrunch), NVIDIA shares fell nearly 12% in early trading today. The publication also reported that the company’s market capitalization had declined by more than $855 billion since the previous Friday.
However, the longer-term impact will depend on how effectively NVIDIA maintains its business strategy, customer relationships, and position in the increasingly competitive AI semiconductor market.
NVIDIA is scheduled to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results on November 17, 2026, providing investors with another opportunity to assess the company’s financial performance and management outlook.
What happens next for NVIDIA?
NVIDIA’s immediate priority will be maintaining business continuity while identifying a permanent successor to Huang.
Colette Kress will oversee the company during the interim period, supported by its existing executive leadership team. The board has confirmed that it will consider candidates from both within and outside the organization.
The transition also raises questions about NVIDIA’s long-term leadership strategy, particularly as competition intensifies in AI chips, data center infrastructure, and accelerated computing.
For now, the company has indicated that its existing operations, customer commitments, and technology roadmap will continue without interruption.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Jensen Huang resign as NVIDIA CEO?
Jensen Huang’s resignation follows reports concerning his personal relationships and potential corporate governance and national security implications. However, NVIDIA’s official announcement has not disclosed a specific reason for his departure.
Who will replace Jensen Huang as NVIDIA CEO?
NVIDIA CFO Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO. The company’s board will consider both internal and external candidates before selecting a permanent successor.
Who is Colette Kress?
Colette Kress is NVIDIA’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. She joined the company in September 2013 and previously held finance leadership positions at Cisco and Microsoft.
How long was Jensen Huang NVIDIA’s CEO?
Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and served as its CEO for more than 33 years before resigning in November 2026.
Who is the new chairperson of NVIDIA’s board?
Harvey C. Jones has been appointed NVIDIA’s first-ever board chair. He has served on the company’s board since its founding in 1993.
Will Jensen Huang leave NVIDIA completely?
The reported leadership transition concerns his departure from the CEO position. His continuing relationship with NVIDIA, if any, should be confirmed through official company disclosures.
How did NVIDIA shares react to Jensen Huang’s resignation?
According to reports, NVIDIA shares fell nearly 12% in early trading on November 12, 2026, amid investor concerns surrounding the leadership transition.
