In an expected but still dramatic turn of events, Nvidia’s 33-year tenured Founder CEO Jensen Huang has been ousted from the company, following a series of extramarital affairs — including one with an alleged Chinese spy. In his stead, the company’s board today appointed long-time CFO Colette Kress as the interim chief, till they find a suitable candidate.
In another first, Nvidia also named its first-ever chairman, elevating current director Harvey Jones to that job. Jones has served on Nvidia’s board since 1993, before the chipmaker went public, and sits on its audit and nominating and corporate governance committees.
Here’s what the two leaders said, in their first messages post assuming their newest roles:
Colette Kress
Dear NVIDIANs,
I believe deeply in this company and in its future. More than anything, I believe in each of you, in our customers and partners and in the vital role we play every day in the global economy.
The Board, Estaff and I recognize that this has been an extraordinarily difficult period and I want you to know how grateful we are for your resilience, professionalism and continued dedication. Thank you.
This company has achieved so much because of the work that all of you bring to it every single day. You are our greatest strength. You will hear more from leadership in the coming days about our future together, and we will host a company meeting on November 18 at 9am PT.
We play a vital role in building the technology that is powering the AI revolution, and we have important work ahead of us. So let’s move forward together, with the same determination and commitment that have always defined this company.
Thank you for all you do,
Colette
Harvey Jones
Dear NVIDIA Employees,
I am writing to share an important update. Jensen has resigned as CEO and Board Member, and the Board has asked our Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress to serve as interim CEO while it conducts a search for a permanent successor looking at both internal and external candidates. I will serve as the first-ever Chair of the Board.
As CFO for over 13 years, Colette has been a key architect of NVIDIA’s growth and capital strategy. She possesses a deep understanding of this business and the markets in which we operate. The Board has full confidence in Colette to deliver on our commitments to shareholders, customers, partners, and to each of you.
Jensen’s contributions to NVIDIA are profound. NVIDIA is one of the most consequential technology companies in the world. We pioneered accelerated computing, defined the modern GPU, and built the platform that powered artificial intelligence.
The Board takes seriously our duty as stewards of this great company.
The strength of this company resides in our employees, leadership team, technical strength and partner ecosystem. I am confident that under Colette’s leadership, with the full support of the Board, we will continue to grow our business, and lead the industry forward. Thank you for your focus, your professionalism, and your commitment to NVIDIA.
Harvey Jones
Chair, NVIDIA Board of Directors