In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the global technology industry, Jensen Huang has resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of NVIDIA, one of the world's most influential semiconductor and artificial intelligence companies. The announcement was made on November 12, 2026, marking a significant leadership change at the company he co-founded more than three decades ago.
Following Huang's resignation, US President Donald Trump publicly suggested that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should take over as NVIDIA's next chief executive. Trump's unexpected recommendation has sparked widespread discussion about the future leadership of the AI chip giant and the possibility of a major shift in Silicon Valley's corporate landscape.
Why Did Jensen Huang Resign From NVIDIA?
Jensen Huang's departure comes amid controversy surrounding reports of alleged personal relationships involving a woman suspected by US intelligence authorities of having links to Chinese intelligence, as well as allegations involving another NVIDIA executive.
The reports raised questions about potential national security implications because NVIDIA plays a crucial role in the global artificial intelligence industry and produces advanced processors that are subject to US export restrictions.
Huang had previously addressed the personal controversy and expressed regret over his conduct. Reports about the allegations intensified scrutiny of his leadership, eventually contributing to a major corporate crisis.
However, the circumstances surrounding his departure and the full findings of the company's investigation remain important issues.
Donald Trump Suggests Tim Cook as NVIDIA's Next CEO
Shortly after NVIDIA announced Huang's resignation, Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to suggest that Tim Cook should become the company's next CEO.
Trump praised Huang's contribution to NVIDIA but described Cook as the person capable of taking over the leadership role.
He referred to the potential transition as a situation where one legend replaces another.
The suggestion attracted considerable attention because Cook recently stepped down from his position as Apple's CEO after leading the technology giant for approximately 15 years. He currently serves as Apple's executive chairman.
However, Trump's recommendation does not mean Cook has accepted the position. There has been no official confirmation that NVIDIA has approached him or that he is being considered as a confirmed candidate.
Who Will Lead NVIDIA After Jensen Huang?
Following Huang's resignation, NVIDIA appointed its Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, as interim CEO.
Kress has been associated with NVIDIA since September 2013 and has played an important role in managing the company's financial operations during its expansion into the global AI and semiconductor markets.
NVIDIA's board has also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chairman. The board will oversee the search for a permanent CEO and consider both internal and external candidates.
The company has indicated that its operations, customer commitments and product roadmap will continue without interruption during the leadership transition.
Why Jensen Huang's Exit Matters for the Global AI Industry
Jensen Huang has been one of the most influential figures in the development of modern artificial intelligence.
Under his leadership, NVIDIA evolved from a graphics processing company primarily associated with gaming into a global powerhouse supplying advanced chips used in AI development, cloud computing, data centres and high-performance computing.
Major technology companies depend on NVIDIA's processors to train and operate advanced AI models.
His departure therefore raises important questions about the company's future strategy, investor confidence and its position in the increasingly competitive global semiconductor market.
NVIDIA's leadership transition could also attract attention from investors because the company occupies a central position in the global AI boom.
Will Tim Cook Really Become NVIDIA's Next CEO?
Despite Trump's public recommendation, Tim Cook's appointment remains uncertain.
Cook has already stepped away from Apple's CEO position but continues to hold an important leadership role as executive chairman. His experience managing one of the world's largest technology companies makes him a prominent name in discussions about corporate leadership.
Nevertheless, NVIDIA's board of directors has the authority to select the company's next permanent chief executive.
For now, Colette Kress will manage the company as interim CEO while the board evaluates potential candidates.
The coming weeks could prove crucial for NVIDIA as investors, employees and technology industry observers await further announcements about its leadership.
Jensen Huang's resignation marks the end of a major chapter in NVIDIA's history. Whether Tim Cook or another technology executive eventually takes charge will be closely watched across global financial and technology markets.
