Nvidia announced the departure on Thursday, November 12, naming its Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO while the board begins searching for a permanent replacement.
According to the company's announcement, the board will consider both internal and external candidates for the position.
Board chair Harvey Jones expressed confidence in Kress and the company's leadership team, saying Nvidia's operations, customer commitments and product roadmap were expected to continue without interruption.
Kress will continue serving as the company's CFO alongside her interim responsibilities until a permanent successor is appointed.
Huang's resignation comes amid growing controversy surrounding reports of his personal relationships and alleged links to a Chinese intelligence operation.
The 63-year-old executive apologised on Sunday for being unfaithful to his wife, acknowledging that his actions had hurt his family. The controversy intensified after reports emerged of a separate alleged relationship with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of healthcare.
Alice Huang, a businesswoman associated with Singapore-based technology company Megaspeed, has been described in US intelligence reporting as a suspected Chinese spy. The allegations have raised questions about possible national security implications, although they have not established that Nvidia's confidential information was compromised.
Nvidia's board had previously announced an independent investigation into reports that Huang may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.
His departure has also brought renewed attention to his relationship with US President Donald Trump, as Huang had become an influential voice in American artificial intelligence policy and had advocated for continued access to the Chinese market for Nvidia's advanced chips.
Following Huang's resignation, Trump suggested former Apple CEO Tim Cook as a possible replacement, describing him as a leading figure in the technology industry. Cook stepped down as Apple's chief executive in September and now serves as the company's executive chairman.
Nvidia has not announced Cook as a candidate or confirmed any potential successor.
The leadership change marks a significant moment for Nvidia, which has become one of the world's most valuable technology companies through its dominance in AI chips and computing infrastructure.
The company is expected to continue its operations under Kress while the board conducts its search for a new chief executive.
