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Jensen Huang: Spy row, affairs leave Nvidia without its rockstar CEO

Jensen Huang, who built Nvidia into the world’s dominant AI chipmaker, is stepping down as CEO over extramarital affairs. DW examines how losing its figurehead will affect the firm and the US-China AI race.

In a recent development, President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed former Apple CEO Tim Cook to replace Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, following Huang's abrupt resignation. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his support, stating that Cook is the perfect choice to succeed Huang, who he described as a legend. Tim Cook, who stepped down as Apple's CEO in September after 15 years, now serves as the company's executive chairman.

The news of Huang's resignation comes at a crucial time for Nvidia, as the company begins its search for a permanent successor to the co-founder and former CEO. Huang, who co-founded Nvidia in 1993, played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of the world's most valuable technology firms. On Thursday, Huang announced his resignation as Nvidia's president, CEO, and board member, with immediate effect.

The company appointed its CFO, Colette Kress, as interim CEO while the board considers both internal and external candidates for the permanent position.

Huang's departure coincides with reports of alleged extramarital affairs, including a relationship with a businesswoman suspected by US authorities of having ties to Chinese intelligence. Despite these allegations, Nvidia maintains that there is no evidence to suggest that company secrets or US national security were compromised.

However, this scandal has led to a significant drop in Nvidia's stock price, with shares falling by 8.6% following a second report of a potential affair that further casts doubt on Huang's leadership. As the board investigates the situation, there is no confirmation that Tim Cook is being considered for the position, and Nvidia has yet to announce a permanent successor to Huang.

Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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