Nvidia Confirms Huang Exit as Interim CEO Kress Steers Chipmaker Into Earnings

Nvidia's board confirmed that Jensen Huang has resigned as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective immediately, ending a 33-year tenure at the helm of the company he co-founded and turning the world's most valuable chipmaker over to an interim leader days before its quarterly results.

In a statement published Nov. 12, Nvidia said Colette Kress, the company's executive vice president and chief financial officer, has agreed to serve as interim CEO while continuing as CFO until a permanent successor is named. The board said it is initiating a search for a permanent chief executive and will consider both internal and external candidates.

Board names first-ever chair

The board also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chair. Jones has been an entrepreneur, technology executive and venture investor for more than 30 years and previously served as CEO and executive chairman of Synopsys.

Kress joined Nvidia in September 2013, leading its finance organization through a period of rapid growth. Before Nvidia, she spent nearly 25 years in finance roles at technology companies including Cisco and Microsoft.

"Colette has helped lead NVIDIA through a period of extraordinary growth and has a deep understanding of our business, customers, operations and financial position," Jones said, adding that the board expects Nvidia's "operations, customer commitments and product roadmap to continue without interruption."

Kress said she was committed to building on "the extraordinary foundation Jensen created over the last 33 years."

Why Huang left

The company's announcement did not state a reason for Huang's departure. Technology outlet How-To Geek reported that the timeline follows reports the executive had been the target of foreign intelligence, adding that Nvidia had launched an independent investigation and said it had no reason to believe U.S. national security or Nvidia's proprietary information were compromised. The Verge reported the resignation followed accounts of extramarital affairs, including one with an alleged Chinese spy, and a board meeting.

Huang's exit has drawn political and industry reaction, with lawmakers and technology leaders publicly weighing in, according to widely circulated reports.

Earnings test ahead

Nvidia said it will report third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at approximately 1:20 p.m. PT, followed by its earnings call at 2 p.m. PT, as previously scheduled. The results are the first major test of investor confidence since the leadership change.