NVIDIA co-founder Jensen Huang has resigned as the company's president and chief executive officer with immediate effect, bringing an end to his 33-year leadership of the semiconductor giant. The company's board has appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO while it begins the search for a permanent replacement.
NVIDIA confirmed the leadership change on November 12, stating that Kress will continue handling her responsibilities as executive vice president and CFO alongside her interim position. The board will consider both internal and external candidates for the permanent role.
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of Huang following reports of alleged personal relationships that have raised questions about the company's leadership. NVIDIA's board had previously expressed confidence in Huang before the latest developments.
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Kress joined NVIDIA in September 2013 and has played a central role in managing the company's finances during its expansion into the global AI chip market. Before joining NVIDIA, she held senior finance positions at major technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.
Her appointment is expected to provide leadership continuity while the board evaluates candidates for the top position. However, NVIDIA has not indicated how long the interim arrangement will remain in place.
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Alongside the CEO transition, NVIDIA has appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chairman of the board. Jones is an experienced technology executive and investor who previously served as CEO and executive chairman of Synopsys. He has also been associated with NVIDIA's board since the company's early years.
The board said Kress has a strong understanding of NVIDIA's operations, customers and financial position, making her suitable to guide the company during the transition.
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Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and transformed it from a graphics processor manufacturer into one of the world's most influential suppliers of AI computing hardware. His departure comes at a sensitive time for the company, with investors closely watching its leadership direction and upcoming quarterly results, scheduled for November 17. The transition could also draw attention to how NVIDIA maintains its technology strategy and relationships across the rapidly expanding AI industry.