23 Daily — According to itmedia.co.jp, Jensen Huang, the co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA since 1993, announced on November 12, 2026, his immediate resignation from the CEO and board director positions. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Colette Kress has been appointed as interim CEO while the board begins searching both internally and externally for a permanent successor. This marks a significant leadership shift in the globally leading technology hardware and AI chip company.
NVIDIA Board Appoints Interim CEO and Begins Search for New Leader
Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and had served as CEO since then, spearheading the company's rise as a leader in AI computing and graphics processing. With Huang's departure, CFO Colette Kress will temporarily step in as CEO, ensuring operational stability. Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 and has served as Executive Vice President and CFO.
Additionally, the board appointed Harvey C. Jones, former CEO of the American chip design software company Synopsys and a current NVIDIA board member, as the chairman of the NVIDIA board. Jones stated, “Business operations, customer commitments, and product roadmaps are expected to continue without interruption.” The company plans to release its next quarterly earnings report on November 17 as scheduled.
Context Behind Huang's Resignation: Personal Scandals and Security Investigations
Prior to the resignation, reports from U.S. media indicated suspicions that Huang and an associate had cooperated with Chinese intelligence agencies, information monitored by U.S. intelligence authorities. Huang admitted to infidelity to his wife in an internal message and apologized to employees. Additional reports alleged extramarital affairs with subordinate executives.
In response to these scandals, the NVIDIA board announced an independent investigation on November 8. Despite expressing no belief that national security or company secrets had been compromised, the board expressed confidence in Huang and management. News emerged on November 11 that the board planned to convene to decide Huang's dismissal, with the meeting concluded by the announcement date.
Editor's take: Impact on Tech and AI Chip Ecosystem and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Huang’s sudden resignation, after decades as NVIDIA’s driving force, significantly impacts corporate governance and strategy, with potential ramifications across the global AI chip industry and technology hardware ecosystem. Given NVIDIA’s leadership in AI computing, the choice of a new CEO will influence the pace of technical innovation and market approaches.
This transition offers entrepreneurs insights into leadership shifts within major hardware and chip companies, as well as potential collaboration and competitive openings. Startups should monitor NVIDIA’s adjustments in AI chip technology and market demands to adjust their own R&D and business plans accordingly. Keeping track of NVIDIA’s personnel and product developments may reveal strategic partnership or differentiation opportunities to expand market presence.