Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid allegations of extramarital affairs

Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang resigned from his positions as president, CEO, and board member effective immediately following allegations of extramarital affairs. The departure comes amid reports that Huang had an extramarital affair with a company executive and an alleged Chinese spy named Alice Huang, who works at Megaspeed. This leadership transition follows a period where the company's valuation briefly exceeded $5 trillion.

Market value and stock performance

The resignation has coincided with significant volatility in Nvidia's stock price. Nvidia's stock closed at $166.19, representing a 4.3% decrease for the week and a 13% drop in the week's closing value. The company's market capitalization has decreased by nearly $500 billion over the past week. While some reports indicate a $200 billion loss in market value, other reports suggest the loss exceeds $500 billion.

The stock is currently approximately 30% below the record high reached on October 6, 2026. During a single session on Thursday, the stock experienced an 11% plunge in early trades. The total decline for Nvidia stock in November has reached 17%. This downturn follows a period of massive growth, including a 1,700% share price increase over the previous four years.

New leadership and governance

Nvidia has moved to stabilize its leadership structure following the immediate resignation of Jensen Huang. Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO while the company conducts a search for a permanent successor. Additionally, Harvey C. Jones has been named as the company's first-ever board chair.

Industry analysts are closely monitoring the transition. Asa Hiken, a senior analyst, stated that the resignation is a turning point for Nvidia, which must prove it can maintain AI dominance without its primary leader. Tristan Gerra, an analyst at Baird, downgraded the company to Neutral until uncertainties regarding government action, investigations, and CEO tenure are resolved.

Company background and upcoming reports

Nvidia, a major provider of AI infrastructure and data center chips, was co-founded in 1993. Jensen Huang led the company for 33 years. The company has historically lacked a clear succession plan, a factor that becomes critical as it navigates this leadership change. Nvidia is scheduled to report its third-quarter fiscal 2027 results on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Glossary

• Nvidia — Nvidia is a major provider of AI infrastructure and data center chips. The company was co-founded in 1993.
• AI infrastructure — AI infrastructure comprises the physical and software systems used to develop, train, deploy and operate artificial intelligence models and applications. It is one part of a wider AI supply chain that also includes training data, models and applications.
• data center chips — Nvidia is a major provider of data center chips.
• interim CEO — Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO while the company conducts a search for a permanent successor.