NVIDIA CEO Resignation: 5 Key Facts on Leadership Change

NVIDIA has begun an immediate leadership transition after Jensen Huang resigned as president and chief executive officer, with Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress appointed to take over as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor.

The announcement, issued on 12 November 2026, also confirmed that Harvey C. Jones has been appointed as the company’s first-ever Chair of the Board. Huang has stepped down from his position as a board member alongside his departure from the executive leadership role.

The changes mark a significant development for the US semiconductor company, which has become a central supplier of processors and computing platforms used in artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and accelerated computing.

NVIDIA said its board would consider both internal and external candidates for the permanent CEO position. Kress will retain her responsibilities as executive vice-president and CFO while overseeing the company as interim chief executive.

Colette Kress takes charge during NVIDIA CEO transition

Kress has been NVIDIA’s executive vice-president and CFO since September 2013. She has led the company’s finance organisation during a period of substantial corporate growth and expansion.

Before joining NVIDIA, she spent nearly 25 years in finance positions at major technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft.

Her appointment places an existing senior executive at the centre of the leadership transition, allowing the company to retain continuity in its financial management while the board evaluates candidates for the permanent position.

Harvey Jones said Kress had an extensive understanding of NVIDIA’s business, customers, operations and financial position.

He also indicated that the company’s existing leadership team would continue implementing its strategy and technology roadmap during the transition.

Kress said her priority would be to build on the company’s existing capabilities and continue advancing its position in accelerated computing and AI. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships with customers, partners, developers and shareholders.

Harvey Jones appointed NVIDIA’s first board chair

Alongside the CEO change, NVIDIA has appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever Chair of the Board.

Jones has more than three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, technology management and venture investment. His previous executive positions include serving as chief executive officer and executive chairman of Synopsys.

The appointment introduces a designated board chair alongside the interim CEO as NVIDIA begins its permanent leadership succession process.

The board’s search will consider candidates from within the company and outside the organisation. NVIDIA has not announced a timetable for completing the appointment.

Leadership transition comes amid scrutiny of NVIDIA

The official announcement does not specify the reasons for Huang’s resignation.

Separately, Reuters reported on 12 November that the departure followed a period of controversy involving allegations about Huang’s personal relationships and questions surrounding potential national security implications. Reuters also reported that the board had initiated an independent investigation following earlier reporting.

These developments provide additional context to the leadership change, although the company announcement itself did not establish a reason for the resignation.

The transition comes at a time when NVIDIA occupies an important position in the global AI infrastructure market. Its products are used by cloud computing providers, technology companies and organisations developing and operating large-scale AI systems.

Consequently, the appointment of a permanent CEO will be an important corporate development for customers, suppliers, investors and other businesses connected to the company’s technology ecosystem.

NVIDIA maintains its financial reporting schedule

NVIDIA has said that its third-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results will be announced on Tuesday, 17 November, as previously scheduled.

The company plans to release the results at approximately 1.20 pm Pacific Time, followed by an earnings conference call at 2 pm Pacific Time.

The earnings announcement will provide investors with an opportunity to assess the company’s latest financial performance during the leadership transition.

For technology customers and business partners, continuity in product development, customer commitments and the company’s technology roadmap will also remain important considerations.

NVIDIA has stated that its operations, customer commitments and product roadmap are expected to continue without interruption under the interim leadership arrangement.

The next major corporate milestone will be the board’s selection of a permanent chief executive, with the company yet to disclose a timetable for the process.

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