Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid espionage scandal
Jensen Huang stepped down as Nvidia CEO after revelations of an affair with a suspected Chinese spy, triggering a board investigation and a 13% stock drop.
Key points
- Huang resigned on Nov. 12, 2026, after admitting an affair with a suspected Chinese espionage operative.
- The woman, Alice Huang, is linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security and leads Singapore‑based Megaspeed.
- Nvidia shares fell 13% at the NYSE opening, later down 5.12% and losing about $500 billion in market value.
- Co‑founder Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
- Donald Trump suggested Apple’s Tim Cook as a possible successor.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Resigns Amid China Spy Affair, Interim CEO Named
Jensen Huang, cofounder and chief executive officer of Nvidia, resigned on 12 November 2026, relinquishing the roles of president, chief executive officer and director with immediate effect.
He remains Nvidia's largest individual shareholder, holding approximately 3.6 % of the company's capital.
The resignation followed public disclosure that Huang had an extramarital relationship with a woman identified by U.S. intelligence as a suspected Chinese espionage operative.
In a message to employees on 8 November, Huang admitted he had been unfaithful to his wife, stating his actions hurt her and their children and that nothing excuses his conduct.
The board launched an independent investigation on the same day.
The woman, named Alice Huang (also known as Huang Le), is a Chinese national who previously worked as a television journalist in China and now leads Megaspeed, a Singapore‑based data‑center firm; U.S. agencies suspect she works for the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
No public evidence has shown that Nvidia's proprietary technology has been disclosed.
Nvidia's shares dropped 13 % at the New York Stock Exchange opening, later recovering to a 5.12 % decline by 16 h GMT, erasing roughly $500 billion in market value since the scandal emerged over the weekend.
Chief financial officer Colette Kress will serve as interim chief executive while the board searches for a permanent successor.
Donald Trump, described as a close ally of Huang, suggested appointing Apple board chair Tim Cook to lead Nvidia.
A previously posted video of Lori Huang expressing admiration for her husband resurfaced amid the allegations.
Huang said his wife never complained about his reduced family time.
Your questions, answered
Why did Jensen Huang resign from Nvidia?
He resigned after admitting an extramarital affair with a woman identified by U.S. intelligence as a suspected Chinese espionage operative.
What happened to Nvidia’s stock after the scandal?
The shares dropped 13% at the NYSE opening and later fell 5.12%, erasing roughly $500 billion in market value.
How does this story make you feel?
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