Nvidia announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, that Jensen Huang has resigned as the company's CEO, effective immediately. Huang, 63, had been leading the company since its founding in 1993. During his tenure, Nvidia grew into one of the world's most valuable companies, with a market capitalization of over $4 trillion. Huang will be succeeded by Colette Kress, the company's current Chief Financial Officer, as interim CEO.
Huang's resignation comes after 33 years at the helm of Nvidia, which he founded in 1993. Under his leadership, the company transformed from a small graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturer to a leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Nvidia's GPUs have become a crucial component in the development of AI technology, and the company has played a significant role in advancing the field. Huang's departure was announced alongside the company's quarterly earnings report.
The reasons for Huang's resignation were not fully disclosed, but it follows recent controversy surrounding his personal life. In a message to Nvidia employees on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Huang apologized for his actions, stating that he had let down his family, including his wife Lori Huang and their two children, Madison and Spencer. Huang has been married to Lori for over 40 years.
Huang's resignation also comes amid reports of an internal investigation into allegations that he had an affair with a woman named Alice Huang, who is not his wife. There were also reports of an alleged relationship with Kimberly Powell, a senior Nvidia executive. Nvidia has not provided detailed comments on these allegations.
Colette Kress, who has been Nvidia's CFO since 2013, will serve as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Kress will continue to oversee the company's financial operations during this transition period. The company's board of directors will consider both internal and external candidates for the CEO position.
Jensen Huang is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. He is known for his distinctive black leather jacket, which has become an iconic part of his image. During his tenure, Nvidia has grown into a leader in the field of AI, and Huang's departure will likely have significant implications for the company's future direction.
The search for a new CEO is expected to be a thorough process, with the company's board of directors considering a range of candidates. In the meantime, Kress will provide stability and continuity as interim CEO. The company's future direction will be closely watched by investors and industry analysts, as Nvidia continues to play a major role in shaping the technology landscape.
Key points
- Jensen Huang resigns as Nvidia CEO after 33 years
- Colette Kress takes over as interim CEO
- Huang's resignation follows controversy surrounding his personal life
