Jensen Huang Steps Down from Nvidia After 33 Years

Jensen Huang, one of the co-founders of Nvidia, announced today his resignation as CEO of the company after 33 years. Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 alongside Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem, leading the company to global market leadership in graphics cards. His resignation comes amid controversies related to international espionage and an affair with a subordinate. In a company press release, it was stated that Huang is stepping down voluntarily. Colette Kress, who has been with Nvidia for ten years and currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will take over as interim CEO.

The press release did not provide information regarding Huang's controversies or his future role within the company. Huang, who holds over 3 percent of all Nvidia shares, has transformed the company into one of the most valuable technology firms in the world in recent years. Prior to today's trading session, Nvidia was valued at approximately $150 billion. The stock experienced a dramatic decline after reports of Huang's second liaison surfaced, causing the share price to drop from just under $207 to about $150 in today's pre-market trading. The controversies surrounding Huang began less than two weeks ago when the New York Times revealed an extramarital affair with Alice Huang, an executive at the Singapore-based company Megaspeed.

This relationship raises questions about Nvidia's business impartiality, particularly in the context of the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. Megaspeed is suspected of circumventing U.S. export bans on high-performance GPU technology to China. Nvidia's board stated that they have "no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia's trade secrets have been compromised." Nevertheless, external investigations into the allegations are underway. Huang has been a prominent figure in the tech industry in recent years, frequently appearing alongside leading politicians.

His image has been heavily shaped by his distinctive presentation style, reminiscent of Steve Jobs. Huang became a celebrity as Nvidia gained prominence during the crypto boom and the arms race in AI data centers. His recognition has risen to the level of business magnates like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. Reactions to Huang's resignation are mixed. While some analysts welcome the possibility of a fresh start under Kress, others express concerns about the company's stability during this transitional phase.

Nvidia has invested heavily in research and development in recent years to solidify its market position. Following the news of Huang's resignation, Nvidia's stock showed a slight recovery. Analysts are closely monitoring developments, as uncertainties surrounding corporate governance and ongoing controversies could potentially impact market performance. Huang will continue to act as a significant shareholder in the company.

The next steps for Nvidia under the interim leadership of Colette Kress will be crucial in regaining the trust of investors and customers. Kress has significantly contributed to the company's financial stability in her previous role as CFO. Nvidia plans to release its next quarterly results on December 15, 2026.