(DPA)
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has resigned effective immediately following revelations of an affair with a suspected Chinese spy, the company announced on Thursday.
Chief financial officer Colette Kress will serve as interim chief executive, the board of directors said in a statement.
"Jensen's contributions to Nvidia are profound," the statement said.
"Nvidia is one of the most consequential technology companies in the world. The Board and the company thank Jensen for his immeasurable contributions to the company and the industry."
Nvidia launched an investigation on Sunday into reports that Huang had been targeted by "foreign intelligence efforts", but said it had no reason to believe company secrets or national security had been compromised.
Huang confirmed the affair in an email to staff. Shares had plunged on Wednesday following reports that the board was considering his removal.
Nvidia's chips dominate the data centres that train and run AI systems, placing it at the centre of the US-China technology race and a massive wave of investment reshaping the US economy.