Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Resigns, Colette Kress Named Interim Chief

Background and National Security Concerns

The first reported affair involved Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based tech company Megaspeed, who is alleged to have worked for Chinese intelligence. The allegations raised national security questions given Huang's long-running support for allowing Nvidia to sell advanced AI chips to China.

Huang, 63, spent years campaigning against restrictions on Nvidia chip sales to China. In December 2025, President Donald Trump approved the export of Nvidia's H200 chips to China despite concerns the technology could bolster Beijing's AI capabilities. The H200 chips are about six times more powerful than the H20 models previously available to Chinese buyers.

Exports are subject to US inspections, limits on shipments, restrictions on military use and a 25 percent tariff. Chinese companies reportedly ordered more than two million H200 chips, potentially worth $54bn, though these are orders rather than completed sales.

Reactions and Financial Impact

Kress oversaw Nvidia's finances during a period of extraordinary growth, with annual revenue rising from $4.13bn in fiscal 2014 to $215.9bn in fiscal 2026. Before joining Nvidia, she held senior finance roles at Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Cisco. She holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

Trump has suggested former Apple chief executive Tim Cook as Huang's successor, writing on Truth Social that "A Legend replaces a Legend." Cook stepped down as Apple's chief executive in September and now serves as executive chairman, though there has been no indication he is interested in the position.

Technology and cybersecurity analyst Ritesh Kotak said the resignation could create uncertainty among Nvidia's employees and customers. Nvidia's board has said it has no reason to believe national security was compromised, and noted there is no established evidence Huang knowingly assisted Beijing.

What Lies Ahead for Nvidia

Nvidia's board is considering both internal and external candidates for the permanent CEO role while Kress serves in an interim capacity. The company is also preparing to invest approximately $10bn in AI developer Anthropic as part of its planned stock market listing, expected next week.

Whether Kress becomes the permanent chief executive remains unclear, and the board has not announced a timeline for completing its search.