NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang resignation has shocked the tech industry after 33 years at the helm of the artificial intelligence semiconductor giant. Known globally for pioneering NVIDIA and frequently sharing his personal love story, Huang stepped down immediately following a major scandal that brought his leadership to a sudden, disgraceful end.
On December 12 (local time), the NVIDIA board of directors officially announced that Huang had resigned from his positions as president, CEO, and board member. Having co-founded NVIDIA in 1993, Huang built the company into a dominant force in AI hardware, but his departure marks a dramatic end to his long tenure amid rising privacy controversies.
The sudden exit follows a message Huang sent to employees on December 8, admitting to an extramarital affair and apologizing to his family and staff. The controversy quickly escalated beyond personal matters into potential corporate security concerns after reports surfaced that the involved woman, Alice Huang, was suspected by U.S. intelligence of ties to Chinese intelligence agencies.
Although the NVIDIA board launched an independent investigation regarding potential foreign intelligence exposure, it initially stated there was no evidence that company secrets or national security had been compromised. Nevertheless, speculation surrounded Huang’s future, culminating in his departure from all executive and board roles, though NVIDIA’s official statement did not specify a reason for his resignation.
In South Korea, Huang’s departure revived public attention regarding his past TV appearances, such as his June broadcast on tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block,’ where he shared his college romance with his wife, Lori Huang. Having previously gained a friendly image among Korean fans through casual visits enjoying Chimaek and expressing love for K-pop, his recent admission stands in stark contrast to his established devoted-family man image.
Following the sudden departure of the founder, Colette Kress, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, has been appointed as interim CEO. Joining NVIDIA in 2013, Kress will continue her CFO duties while temporarily leading the company. The board plans to evaluate both internal and external candidates for a permanent successor as NVIDIA navigates its next chapter under new leadership.
