Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang steps down after board probe into affairs

Jensen Huang has stepped down as Nvidia CEO following a board investigation into an affair with a Chinese businesswoman identified by US authorities as a spy, with a second affair involving a direct report later reported. The exit raises questions about Nvidia's future leadership and the AI ecosystem he helped build. Huang's hands-on leadership extended beyond running the $4 trillion chip giant, as he personally invested in startups, helped secure customers, and joined fundraising calls. Nvidia has named CFO Colette Kress interim CEO while considering internal and external candidates, including Ian Buck and Arm chief Rene Haas. Analysts note the challenge of replacing Huang's technical expertise, industry ties, and Washington connections, with his cultural influence so significant that his mention of a company could move its shares. The next CEO inherits an extraordinary business but one of the hardest acts to follow in corporate history.