Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has resigned after 33 years at the technology company he founded and led, following a series of controversies that have triggered growing scrutiny of his personal conduct and the company’s leadership.
The company’s board announced the decision on Thursday, naming Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim chief executive.
The resignation followed a board meeting late Wednesday, held amid reports of Huang’s alleged relationship with an Nvidia executive. The development came as the company was already facing questions over separate allegations involving another woman reportedly linked to a Chinese intelligence network.
Nvidia had previously appointed a law firm to investigate claims surrounding Huang’s alleged relationship with the woman, who was accused in reports of helping facilitate restricted shipments of advanced Nvidia chips to Chinese companies.
The latest controversy has intensified pressure on the semiconductor giant, whose technology has become central to the global artificial intelligence boom.
Nvidia shares fell by about 10 per cent in premarket trading following news of Huang’s departure, reflecting investor concerns about the sudden leadership change at one of the world’s most influential technology companies.
The company’s enormous market value means movements in its share price have implications beyond its own investors. Nvidia carries significant weight in major stock market indexes, including the S&P 500, meaning sharp swings can affect investment portfolios and retirement funds around the world.
Huang’s resignation marks a major turning point for Nvidia, which grew under his leadership into a dominant supplier of chips used to develop and operate artificial intelligence systems. Kress will take charge on an interim basis as the company confronts the fallout from the scandals and uncertainty over its future leadership.
