Jensen Huang’s exit from NVIDIA marked a dramatic turn for one of the most influential figures in the global artificial intelligence industry. After weeks of controversy surrounding allegations of extramarital relationships, the company’s co-founder and chief executive resigned on November 12, ending a 33-year association with the chipmaker.
A Bloomberg report published on November 13 described Huang’s final days as a period of exhaustion and mounting pressure. The executive, once known for his hands-on leadership and attention to detail, reportedly began telling people around him, ‘whatever’ and ‘I don’t care’. He also reportedly described himself as a ‘piece of sh**’.
The controversy intensified after a Financial Times report on November 6, citing US officials, described Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang as romantic. Alice Huang, who is not related to the NVIDIA chief, was suspected by US authorities of having links to Chinese intelligence.
NVIDIA General Counsel Tim Teter subsequently confronted Huang at his home, where he admitted the affair, Bloomberg reported. The board launched an investigation and appointed law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to lead the inquiry. Huang later emailed employees, acknowledged the affair, apologized to his family and promised to cooperate fully.
The situation escalated further after The New York Times reported on November 11 that Huang had also been involved with Kimberly Powell, NVIDIA’s vice president of healthcare. The board held a remote meeting that continued late into the night, following which Huang resigned.
Also Read: Jensen Huang’s Exit Raises Big Questions Over NVIDIA’s Future
NVIDIA announced on November 12 that Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress would serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is appointed. The board has begun searching for a replacement, with Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su and Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas among the names discussed as possible candidates.
Huang’s departure also leaves a leadership challenge for NVIDIA. Around 60 executives reported directly to him, and the company had no traditional succession plan in place. His attention to employee priorities and operations had reportedly begun slipping as the controversy intensified.
Kress has scheduled an all-hands employee meeting for November 18. NVIDIA is also due to announce its quarterly results on November 17.
Huang is expected to testify before Congress in the coming weeks, where lawmakers may question him about his relationship with Alice Huang and possible risks to sensitive chip technology.