Nvidia Co-Founder Jensen Huang Steps Down as CEO as Colette Kress Takes Interim Leadership Role
Nvidia is undergoing a major leadership transition after co-founder Jensen Huang stepped down as the company’s president, chief executive officer and board member, effective November 12, 2026. His departure brings to a close more than 33 years at the helm of the chipmaker.
The company’s board has appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO. She will retain her finance responsibilities while directors search for a permanent successor, considering candidates from both inside and outside the company.
Nvidia has also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever board chairman, introducing another historic change to its corporate governance structure.
Nvidia Shares Slide Following Leadership Announcement
Investors reacted sharply to the news, with Nvidia shares falling more than 10% in premarket trading in the United States. The decline reflected market concerns over the sudden departure of a leader closely associated with the company’s transformation into a global force in artificial intelligence computing.
Departure Follows Reports and Board Investigation
Huang’s exit comes amid media reports concerning alleged personal relationships that raised questions related to national security. The reports included allegations involving a woman suspected by U.S. authorities of having links to Chinese intelligence, as well as separate reporting about another relationship within the company.
On November 8, Nvidia’s board announced an independent investigation following reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence effort. At the time, the board said it had no reason to believe that U.S. national security or Nvidia’s confidential information had been compromised.
Media reports also described pressure from investors and U.S. officials surrounding the situation. However, Nvidia’s announcement of Huang’s departure did not provide a reason for his resignation or officially attribute it to the investigation or the allegations.
The End of a 33-Year Leadership Era
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and led its evolution from a graphics-processing company into one of the world’s leading suppliers of chips used in artificial intelligence systems.
His tenure helped position Nvidia at the center of the global AI infrastructure market, turning the company into one of the most valuable technology businesses worldwide.
