Nvidia engineer leaves company over lack of transparency around Jensen Huang’s exit, details decision

On November 15, 2026, an Nvidia Robot Research Engineer named Darrel Dai announced his departure from the company, citing a lack of transparency around former CEO Jensen Huang's sudden resignation. Dai expressed his admiration for Huang's vision and the strong engineering culture he fostered during his tenure. However, he felt that his own perspective as an engineer was not adequately heard in the decision-making process.

Dai highlighted Huang's commitment to investing in AI, robotics, and open-source tools, which helped build Nvidia's infrastructure and position it as a leader in the field. He also praised the connection Huang made with employees, noting that he read employees' Top 5 emails, followed their work, and engaged directly. This culture of open communication and respect for engineers' perspectives was a significant factor in Dai's decision to stay with the company.

Despite the company's reputation for generous pay packages and Huang's reputation as a respected figure in the tech industry, Dai's departure signals a growing concern among employees about the lack of transparency and communication during Huang's unexpected exit. Many employees have rallied behind interim CEO Colette Kress, while others remain vocal in their demand for Huang's reinstatement.

The future of Nvidia remains uncertain, with speculation that other tech and semiconductor firms are eyeing Nvidia's talented workforce.