Nvidia has initiated a search for a new chief executive officer following the resignation of co-founder Jensen Huang on November 12. Huang’s departure concludes his 33-year tenure leading the semiconductor company. The board of directors stated it will evaluate both internal and external candidates for the position.
Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO while the board conducts its search. Additionally, the company named longtime director Harvey C. Jones as its first board chair.
Leadership Crisis and Investigations
Huang’s resignation follows a series of controversies involving his personal conduct and potential security risks. On November 8, Huang confirmed to employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife. Reports linked his personal relationships to individuals including a former executive at Megaspeed International, a firm under U.S. scrutiny for allegedly assisting Chinese entities in acquiring restricted Nvidia chips. Other reports identified relationships with Nvidia Vice President of Healthcare Kimberly Powell and an unnamed company employee.
Nvidia’s board previously commissioned an independent investigation into claims that Huang may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The board appointed former acting U.S. attorney Joon H. Kim and the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to lead the inquiry. The company stated it has no evidence that national security or trade secrets were compromised. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the FBI is reviewing the reports, though the Justice Department has not reached conclusions regarding the allegations of espionage.