Nvidia Board Fired CEO Jensen Huang; Colette Kress Named Interim Leader Amid Reports of Affairs

Reports preceded the board decision

The New York Times reported on October 29 that Huang had a “close relationship” with a woman suspected to be a Chinese spy. Nvidia initially said the relationship was nothing out of the ordinary.

On November 8, Huang publicly acknowledged the affair. Nvidia shares fell 5%, and the board launched an independent investigation. Further details surfaced in the days that followed.

A second reported affair

The Wall Street Journal reported that board members met the previous night to discuss Huang’s future. The article initially expected his departure soon, potentially presented as a resignation.

Kress named interim CEO

Before the update, Bloomberg had listed CFO Colette Kress among possible successors, with an interim appointment viewed as likely. The article’s update said Kress was named interim CEO after Huang’s departure.

Apple chief hardware officer Johny Srouji was also mentioned as a possible replacement. The article considered his appointment unlikely, citing the negotiations involved and his recent promotion at Apple.

Srouji’s chip experience

Srouji has overseen Apple’s custom chips for the iPhone, Mac and other devices. The article described his background as strong in chip design, product integration and long-term technology planning.

It also noted that Srouji’s experience has largely been within Apple and that he has not been tested in the high-profile sales role associated with Huang. Earlier reports had also suggested dissatisfaction at Apple, but the article said a move soon after his promotion seemed unlikely.