Musk says hiring Huang an ‘honor’ as Nvidia CEO resigns

Elon Musk said on X that it "would be an honor" to hire Jensen Huang. He posted the comment hours before Nvidia ↘ 4.34% announced that its co-founder had resigned as chief executive after reports of extramarital affairs, one of them with a woman US officials suspect of spying for China. The comment was the first public sign that one of Huang's high-profile peers was willing to take him on, even as his 33-year run at the chipmaker ended.

Musk wrote "That would be an honor" on Wednesday, November 11, in reply to a post from the financial account ZeroHedge that said "Elon please hire Jensen," Fox Business ↘ 3.17% reported. Bloomberg's report, carried by Business Standard, said Musk replied while Nvidia's board was meeting to consider a future without its founder. Musk did not name a company or a role, and no one has reported a formal offer or any talks between the two men.business-standard.com+2

Huang steps down

On Thursday, November 12, Nvidia said Huang had resigned as president, CEO and board member, effective immediately. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while she keeps her CFO duties, according to the company's announcement. The board said it will consider internal and external candidates for a permanent successor. It also named Harvey C. Jones as its first-ever chair. Nvidia did not give a reason for Huang's departure.afp.com+1

The resignation followed a New York Times report about Huang's relationship with the suspected spy, and then reports that he also had a relationship with an executive who reported to him. Nvidia shares fell 14% at the opening bell on Thursday and closed down about 4%, the Chicago Tribune reported. Lawmakers still want to question Huang. Rep. Brian Mast said a subpoena could follow if it is needed.chicagotribune.com+1

A long relationship

Musk had already defended Huang earlier in the week. On November 9, he replied "I agree" to a post from Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire that called Huang irreplaceable for America's lead in AI. After the resignation, Musk also agreed with posts saying Nvidia's board should have waited for the results of its investigation.sg.finance.yahoo.com+1

Musk, who runs Tesla, and Huang have known each other for at least a decade. Both men joined President Donald Trump's visit to China earlier this year. Nvidia supplies graphics processors that Tesla uses to train AI models for autonomous driving and robotics, though the carmaker is developing its own chips.business-standard.com

Huang has not said publicly what he plans to do next. Nvidia is set to report third-quarter results on Tuesday, November 17, its first earnings report without him.sec.gov