‘Chinese spy scandal’: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns

New York: Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang resigned on Thursday amid allegations involving relationships with a woman suspected by US intelligence of spying for China and a company subordinate. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while the chipmaker searches for a permanent successor.

Huang also stepped down from Nvidia's board with immediate effect. The directors will consider internal and external candidates for the top post. Longtime board member Harvey C. Jones was named Nvidia's first board chair.

The leadership crisis intensified after reports emerged of a second extramarital relationship involving Huang and an employee who reported to him. The board had been examining whether the CEO was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation following reports about his relationship with Alice Huang, a business executive whom US intelligence officials reportedly suspected of passing information to Beijing.

Nvidia has said its investigation found no evidence that national security or company secrets had been compromised, but it is reviewing available information. US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that Huang had told him he did not know the woman was a spy, and that he believed him. The FBI is also investigating the matter.

The resignation comes as Nvidia, the leading supplier of chips that power artificial intelligence systems, faces scrutiny over its leadership and its links to China. Its shares fell more than 12% following the announcement, Reuters reported.

The company is scheduled to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2027 results on November 17.