Jensen Huang resigns as Nvidia CEO after 33 years at the helm

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has resigned with immediate effect after 33 years leading the chipmaker he co-founded, the company said on Thursday.

Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO while retaining her existing roles, Nvidia said. Huang will also step down from the company's board.

The announcement comes as Nvidia faces uncertainty over its leadership and the future direction of the company, which has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the global artificial intelligence boom.

Nvidia shares fell 10% in US premarket trading following the announcement, adding to a decline that wiped out around $600 billion in market value during the week, according to Reuters.

Huang, 63, owns approximately 3.61% of Nvidia's shares, making him the company's fourth-largest investor. He has maintained close control over the business, with dozens of direct reports.

Reports put Huang under scrutiny

Huang's resignation follows days of reports about his personal life, including allegations of extramarital affairs.

Reuters reported that Nvidia's board met on Wednesday to consider Huang's position after reports emerged of an alleged relationship with a senior company executive who reported to him.

Other reports have linked Huang to a Chinese businesswoman whom US authorities suspect of spying for Beijing. These claims remain allegations.

The developments have also drawn attention to potential national security concerns, with some congressional leaders calling for investigations. US President Donald Trump has described Huang as an "honorable guy".

What Huang's departure means for Nvidia

Huang's exit leaves Nvidia without the executive who led its rise into a central player in the global AI industry.

The company's influence extends beyond chipmaking. Its investments and partnerships have helped support the wider AI ecosystem, including cloud providers, suppliers and major AI developers.

Market observers quoted by Reuters said the immediate risk may lie less in Nvidia's technology roadmap, which is visible several years ahead, and more in execution and coordination across its complex business.

Michael Feldman, portfolio manager at ClearBridge Investments, described Huang as the "chief conductor" of that system, saying his leadership had been a competitive advantage.

Kress will lead the company on an interim basis as Nvidia looks for a permanent successor.