Nvidia co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has resigned from the artificial intelligence chip giant amid mounting controversy over reports of two alleged extramarital affairs, including one involving a woman accused by U.S. authorities of links to Chinese intelligence.
Nvidia announced on Thursday that Huang was stepping down with immediate effect as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the company’s board of directors, ending his 33-year leadership of the technology firm he co-founded in 1993.
The resignation follows days of intense scrutiny over reports that Huang had an affair with a former executive linked to Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed International. U.S. intelligence officials reportedly suspected the woman of having connections to Chinese intelligence, allegations that have drawn significant national security concerns.
Pressure on Huang increased after additional media reports alleged that he had also been involved in a relationship with a senior Nvidia executive. The reports prompted further scrutiny of his conduct and reportedly led Nvidia’s board to examine the situation.
Nvidia’s Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer while the board searches for a permanent successor. The company said it would consider both internal and external candidates for the role.
The development triggered a sharp decline in Nvidia’s share price, with the stock falling by more than 10 percent in early trading following the announcement. Analysts said the resignation creates uncertainty for the world’s leading artificial intelligence chipmaker at a critical stage in the global AI industry.
Despite the controversy, Nvidia’s board praised Huang’s contributions to the company, which grew under his leadership into one of the world’s most valuable technology firms and a dominant force in artificial intelligence computing.
Huang’s departure marks one of the most significant leadership changes in the technology sector in recent years, with investors and industry observers closely watching the company’s next steps.