Spy scandal: NVIDIA CEO Huang quits after 33 years

NVIDIA Chief Executive Officer, Jensen Huang, has resigned after 33 years at the helm of the technology giant, amid an investigation into his alleged relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.

The company announced the resignation on Thursday, appointing its Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, as interim chief executive pending the appointment of a substantive successor.

The development comes days after NVIDIA launched an independent investigation into whether Huang had been targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation following reports of his alleged relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.

In a statement announcing the leadership change, the company said its board of directors had approved Kress’s appointment as interim CEO while beginning the search for a permanent replacement.

“Kress will continue to serve as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer while serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer until a permanent successor has been named,” the statement said.

The company added that the board would consider both internal and external candidates in selecting Huang’s successor.

Kress, who has spent nearly 25 years in finance positions at technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft, pledged to sustain the company’s growth and build on the foundation established by her predecessor.

“NVIDIA’s strength has always come from its people, and together with our leadership team, I am committed to building on the extraordinary foundation Jensen created over the last 33 years,” she said.

The company also announced the appointment of Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever board chairman.

Jones expressed confidence in Kress’s ability to lead the technology company, citing her experience and understanding of its operations, customers and financial position.

“Colette has helped lead NVIDIA through a period of extraordinary growth and has a deep understanding of our business, customers, operations and financial position,” he said.

He added that the board had confidence in Kress and the company’s leadership team, expressing optimism that its operations, customer commitments and product development plans would continue without disruption.

Huang’s resignation follows a New York Times report published on October 29, which raised questions about his relationship with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy.

The report prompted concerns about possible Chinese intelligence activities and whether the NVIDIA chief executive had been targeted.

NVIDIA subsequently initiated an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations.

The leadership change marks the end of Huang’s 33-year tenure at the company, which he helped build into one of the world’s leading technology businesses.