Nvidia is entering a new chapter after co-founder Jensen Huang stepped down as CEO with immediate effect, following a controversy involving reports of alleged extramarital relationships, including one with a woman suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence. CFO Colette Kress has been appointed interim chief executive while the company begins the search for a permanent successor. The leadership change marks a significant moment for the chipmaker, which Huang built into a global AI powerhouse over more than three decades. With Kress temporarily at the helm, attention is now turning to who could eventually take over the top job.
Who Is Colette Kress, Nvidia's Interim CEO?
Colette Kress has stepped into the CEO role on an interim basis following Jensen Huang's resignation. She will continue as Nvidia's executive vice president and CFO while the board looks for a permanent successor. Kress joined Nvidia in September 2013 and has been part of its growth from a gaming-focused chipmaker into a major supplier of AI processors. Before that, she spent nearly 25 years in finance roles at companies including Cisco and Microsoft. She has also regularly appeared alongside Huang during earnings calls, making her a familiar face to investors.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns after his affair raised national security concerns. The company named Colette Kress as interim CEO. Shares of Nvidia, one of the largest companies in the world, plunged 10% in premarket trading Thursday. https://t.co/0z66yR7ZPZ https://t.co/Lu0UIb0Z4Z
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 12, 2026
Who Else Could Replace Jensen Huang At Nvidia?
Nvidia co-founder Chris Malachowsky is another possible name in the succession discussion. Having established the company alongside Huang and Curtis Priem, he brings decades of experience and has contributed to the development of Nvidia's computing technology. Ian Buck, who leads the company's high-performance computing business, is also being considered as a potential option, particularly if the board wants an engineering-focused leader. Buck helped expand the use of graphics processors beyond gaming, although analysts say his experience handling commercial partnerships and geopolitical issues could come under scrutiny.
Why Is Nvidia's Next CEO Role So Important?
The company is looking for someone who can maintain its position in the fast-moving AI industry while managing its growing global business. Nvidia's processors have become central to AI development, making its technology and leadership important to customers and governments alike. Kress is seen as a familiar and trusted figure in financial markets, but analysts have suggested that Nvidia could prefer a technically experienced leader for the permanent position. Huang's children also hold executive roles at the company, although their relative lack of experience makes them less obvious candidates.
How Has The Jensen Huang Controversy Affected Nvidia?
The leadership change comes amid allegations surrounding Huang's relationship with Alice Huang, whom US intelligence agencies reportedly suspected of passing information to Beijing. Nvidia has launched an internal investigation to examine available information, while US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the FBI is also looking into the matter. Nvidia has said it has no reason to believe national security or internal information was compromised, while China has denied involvement in any alleged operation. The uncertainty has weighed on investor sentiment, with Nvidia shares falling 10% in premarket trading on Thursday. The controversy also comes after Huang's lobbying efforts helped secure US approval for the export of H200 chips to China in January.
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