Nvidia names Colette Kress interim CEO after Huang resigns

Nvidia said Thursday that Jensen Huang had resigned as chief executive and board member, effective immediately, and named Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress interim CEO as it searches for a permanent successor. The company also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first board chair. Huang led Nvidia for 33 years after co-founding the company in 1993.

Kress will remain chief financial officer while serving as interim chief executive. Nvidia’s board is considering both internal and external candidates for the permanent role. The company said its customer commitments, operations and product plans were expected to continue without interruption.

The leadership change followed days of scrutiny of Huang’s conduct and the board’s response to allegations involving his personal relationships. Nvidia’s board announced an independent investigation on November 8 into reports that Huang may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence effort. It said at the time that it had no reason to believe national security or company information had been compromised.

Huang acknowledged in a message to employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife and apologized to his family and colleagues. The...