Jensen Huang stepped down from NVIDIA: CFO Colette Kress appointed as interim CEO, and Jones becomes the first chairperson of the board

NVIDIA has just ended its partnership with CEO Jensen Huang. The figure who transformed NVIDIA into a globally dominant chip manufacturer has left due to an extramarital affair scandal.

NVIDIA's senior CFO Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO. During the search for Huang's successor, she will temporarily lead NVIDIA.

The company has also appointed its first-ever chairman, with board member Harvey Jones taking on the role. The 73-year-old Jones previously led chip design software manufacturer Synopsys Inc.

Below is the internal memo sent to employees by Jones and Kress explaining this personnel change.

Harvey Jones

To all NVIDIA employees:

I am writing to inform you of an important announcement.

Jensen Huang has resigned as CEO and board member. The board has asked our CFO Colette Kress to serve as interim CEO while we initiate a formal succession process, considering both internal and external candidates. I will serve as the first chairman of the board in the company’s history.

During her more than 13 years as CFO, Colette has been a key architect of NVIDIA's growth and capital strategies. She has a deep understanding of our business and the markets we operate in.

The board has full confidence in Colette and believes she will fulfill our commitments to shareholders, customers, partners, and every employee.

Jensen's contributions to NVIDIA have been profound.

NVIDIA is one of the most influential technology companies in the world. We pioneered accelerated computing, defined the modern GPU, and built platforms that drive artificial intelligence development.

The board takes seriously its responsibility as stewards of this great company. The strength of this company comes from our employees, leadership team, technological prowess, and partner ecosystem.

I believe that under Colette's leadership, with the full support of the board, we will continue to grow the business and lead the industry forward.

Thank you all for your focus, professionalism, and continued commitment to NVIDIA.

Harvey Jones

Chairman of the NVIDIA Board

Colette Kress

To all NVIDIA employees:

I have strong confidence in this company and its future. Most importantly, I believe in each and every one of you, in our customers and partners, and in the important role we play in the global economy every day.

The board, the executive management team, and I are all aware that this has been an exceptionally challenging time. I want you to know how grateful we are for the resilience, professionalism, and continued efforts you have all shown.

Thank you all.

The achievements of this company are due to the hard work you put in every day. You are our most valuable asset.

In the coming days, management will further introduce our shared future. We will also hold an all-hands meeting on November 18 at 9 AM Pacific Time.

We play a crucial role in building the technology that drives the AI revolution, and there is much important work ahead of us.

So let us move forward together, continuing with the same determination and commitment. These qualities have always been core characteristics of this company.

Thank you for everything you do.

Colette