Jensen Huang, co-founder and former CEO of Nvidia, resigned from his position on November 12, 2026, following a controversy involving allegations of extramarital relationships and national security concerns. The company's board announced that Colette Kress, Nvidia's chief financial officer, would serve as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Huang's departure marked the end of his 33-year tenure at the helm of the chipmaker.
Before building one of the world's most valuable technology companies, Huang experienced an unusual childhood. Born in Taiwan, Huang's family relocated to Thailand, and later, due to civil unrest, his parents sent him and his brother to the United States. This move set the stage for his eventual career in the technology industry. Huang was sent to a boarding school in rural Kentucky for troubled youths, where he was assigned to clean the boys' bathroom daily.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and took the company public in 1999. Under his leadership, Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) became widely used in computer gaming and artificial intelligence development. The company's market capitalisation crossed $5 trillion in 2025, driven by growing demand for AI system chips. Huang owned approximately 3.6% of Nvidia's shares, a substantial personal stake in the company.
Huang has been married to Lori for over four decades, and they met while studying at Oregon State University in the early 1980s. The couple have two children, Madison and Spencer, who both work at Nvidia. Huang completed his undergraduate studies at Oregon State University and earned a master's degree from Stanford University. His educational background played a significant role in shaping his career.
Before becoming a billionaire technology executive, Huang worked as a waiter at Denny's, an American restaurant chain. He credits the experience with helping him overcome his natural shyness and develop communication skills that later proved useful in his public role as Nvidia's head. This early job experience contributed to his growth as a leader in the technology industry.
Huang has made significant philanthropic contributions to institutions that played important roles in his education and career. He donated $30 million to Stanford University to support the establishment of an engineering centre and $50 million to Oregon State University to fund a research centre named after him. These donations have supported engineering education and research, areas closely connected to the technology industry.
Huang's resignation as Nvidia CEO has significant implications for the technology industry. As the company continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI development, it will be interesting to see how Nvidia evolves under new leadership. Huang's legacy at Nvidia will be remembered for his role in transforming the company into a global technology giant.
Key points
- Jensen Huang resigned as Nvidia CEO amid controversy and allegations of personal misconduct.
- Huang has a substantial personal stake in Nvidia, owning approximately 3.6% of the company's shares.
- Huang has made significant philanthropic contributions to institutions that supported his education and career.
