Jensen Huang has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nvidia, bringing an end to his 33-year leadership of one of the world’s most influential technology companies. His departure comes amid growing controversy surrounding reports of two extramarital affairs, which triggered an internal investigation and raised questions about corporate leadership and national security.
Nvidia officially announced on November 12, 2026, that Huang had resigned from his positions as president, CEO and board member, with immediate effect. The announcement marks a significant turning point for the semiconductor giant, which Huang co-founded in 1993 and transformed into a global leader in artificial intelligence computing.
The leadership change follows several days of intense scrutiny after reports emerged about Huang’s personal relationships. According to media reports, one alleged relationship involved Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman associated with an Nvidia customer who has reportedly attracted the attention of US intelligence officials over suspected connections to Chinese espionage activities.
A separate report by The New York Times also alleged that Huang had an affair with Kimberly Powell, a senior Nvidia executive who reportedly worked under him. The allegations intensified pressure on the company’s leadership and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Huang had previously acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family and Nvidia employees. He accepted responsibility for his actions, although the company continued to face questions about the potential implications of the controversy.
The situation became increasingly serious when Nvidia’s board initiated an investigation into whether Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The inquiry was intended to examine the available information and determine whether company information or national security interests had been compromised.
The board’s position reportedly changed after further developments and additional media revelations. Reuters reported that Huang resigned, while earlier reports indicated that Nvidia’s directors had been considering removing him from the position.
The departure is particularly significant because Huang has been closely associated with Nvidia’s growth and strategic direction for more than three decades. Under his leadership, the company evolved from a graphics processing unit manufacturer into a dominant supplier of advanced chips used in artificial intelligence systems, data centres and high-performance computing.
Nvidia’s influence has expanded considerably during the global AI boom, making its leadership decisions important to investors, technology companies and governments worldwide.
Following Huang’s departure, Nvidia Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has been appointed interim chief executive. The company’s board plans to consider internal and external candidates while beginning the search for a permanent replacement.
The transition also comes at a sensitive time for Nvidia, which is preparing to report its latest quarterly financial results. Investors will closely monitor how the leadership change affects the company’s business strategy, market confidence and relationships with major technology partners.
Huang’s exit represents the end of a remarkable leadership chapter in the technology industry. However, the circumstances surrounding his departure have shifted attention from his business achievements to questions about corporate governance, personal accountability and the potential security implications of the controversy.
As Nvidia begins its search for new leadership, the technology industry will be watching closely to see whether the company can maintain its position at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence race without its longtime chief executive.