Nvidia co-founder and chief executive Jensen Huang has resigned following revelations of extramarital relationships, including one involving a Chinese businesswoman suspected by US intelligence officials of spying for Beijing.
The 63-year-old stepped down on Thursday, November 12, ending more than three decades of leadership at the American technology giant, which has become one of the world’s most valuable companies through the artificial intelligence boom.
His departure follows days of mounting pressure from investors, lawmakers and Nvidia’s board over concerns about his personal relationships, corporate governance and potential national security implications.
Affair Allegations Trigger Leadership Crisis
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that Huang had been romantically involved with Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman formerly associated with Singapore-based Megaspeed, an Nvidia cloud partner.
US intelligence officials reportedly suspect Alice Huang of working on behalf of Chinese intelligence. Beijing has denied that she is a spy, and the allegations have not been established in court.
American authorities have also examined suspicions that Megaspeed helped Chinese companies obtain advanced Nvidia chips subject to US export restrictions.
Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a statement issued on November 8, although he did not publicly identify the person involved.
The situation worsened when reports emerged of another relationship involving Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare, who reported to Huang.
Reuters subsequently reported that Huang had also been involved with a second Nvidia employee whose identity has not been disclosed.
Nvidia declined to comment on the additional allegation.
Nvidia Appoints Interim CEO
Following Huang’s departure, Nvidia appointed its chief financial officer, Colette Kress, as interim chief executive while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Kress has served as Nvidia’s finance chief for approximately 13 years and is considered one of the company’s most experienced executives.
Longtime Nvidia engineer Ian Buck has also emerged as a potential successor because of his technical expertise and role in developing the company’s artificial intelligence technology.
Huang has additionally stepped down from Nvidia’s board of directors.
Former Synopsys chief executive Harvey Jones has been appointed board chair.
In a message to employees, Kress acknowledged the difficulties facing the company and confirmed that an employee meeting would take place on November 18.
US National Security Concerns
The scandal has raised questions beyond Huang’s personal conduct.
Nvidia’s advanced processors are central to the global artificial intelligence industry and have become strategically important in the technological competition between the United States and China.
Earlier this month, Nvidia’s independent directors launched an investigation, supported by outside legal advisers, into whether Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.
The controversy has also increased scrutiny of US government decisions concerning semiconductor exports to China.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has faced questions over the administration’s approach to chip sales, particularly after supporting efforts to ease certain restrictions.
Reuters reported that senior White House officials were discussing Lutnick’s future, although a White House official previously said President Donald Trump maintained confidence in him.
Nvidia Shares Fall Following Resignation
Huang’s departure unsettled investors, with Nvidia shares falling approximately 5.5% to $164.22 during Thursday’s trading.
Shares of rival semiconductor companies AMD and Broadcom rose by around 6% each.
Huang helped transform Nvidia from a graphics processor manufacturer into a dominant supplier of chips used to develop and operate artificial intelligence systems.
The company’s rapid expansion had pushed its market valuation close to $6 trillion earlier this year.
His sudden exit now leaves Nvidia facing the challenge of maintaining its technological leadership while managing investigations, investor concerns and a major executive transition.
The company has said it is considering both internal and external candidates to replace Huang permanently.
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