Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Resigns Amid Affair Scandal and National Security Concerns

Nvidia co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has resigned with immediate effect following a controversy involving alleged extramarital relationships and concerns that he may have been targeted by Chinese intelligence operatives.

The technology giant announced the development on Thursday, November 12, 2026, confirming that Huang had stepped down as president, chief executive officer and a member of the company’s board of directors.

In a statement, Nvidia said its board had appointed Colette Kress, the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, as interim chief executive while it begins the search for a permanent replacement.

The board also appointed technology investor and former Synopsys chief executive Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chairman.

Huang’s departure comes days after he acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a message to Nvidia employees, apologising to his family and colleagues and accepting responsibility for his actions.

The controversy intensified following reports that he had an affair with Alice Huang, a former senior executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed International, whom US intelligence officials reportedly suspect of having links to Chinese intelligence.

The New York Times also reported that Huang had another alleged relationship with an Nvidia employee who reported directly to him. The Associated Press said it could not independently verify the reports.

The allegations raised concerns about possible national security implications, particularly because Nvidia is one of the world’s most important manufacturers of advanced artificial intelligence chips, which are central to the technological competition between the United States and China.

On November 8, Nvidia’s board announced an independent investigation into reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

The company said at the time that it had no reason to believe that US national security or Nvidia’s confidential information had been compromised, but promised to examine all available information.

Huang pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and expressed his commitment to protecting the company and supporting American national security.

The scandal has also drawn attention to Megaspeed International, whose former executive Alice Huang has been linked to the allegations. The Singapore-based company has pledged to cooperate with US authorities and review its compliance with export control regulations.

Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reportedly examining the allegations, while Singaporean authorities are also investigating concerns surrounding the possible movement of advanced Nvidia chips to China.

Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and led the company for more than three decades, transforming it from a graphics processor manufacturer into a global leader in artificial intelligence computing.

Under his leadership, Nvidia became one of the world’s most valuable companies, supplying advanced processors used by major technology companies to develop and operate artificial intelligence systems.

His departure marks a significant leadership transition for the company at a time when competition over advanced semiconductor technology has become a major issue in international relations and national security.

Nvidia’s board said it expects the company’s operations, customer commitments and product development plans to continue without interruption under Kress’s interim leadership.