TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao criticized Nvidia’s decision to let Jensen Huang resign.
- Nvidia confirmed Huang’s immediate departure on November 12, 2026.
- Zhao’s warning followed Nvidia’s announcement of its leadership transition.
- Colette Kress assumed the interim chief executive position while retaining her financial responsibilities.
- Nvidia appointed Harvey Jones chairman and launched a search for a permanent CEO.
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao criticized Nvidia after Jensen Huang resigned as the company’s chief executive. He called the leadership changes a mistake without explaining his objections.
“It’s a mistake for Nvidia to let Jensen resign,” Zhao wrote.
The November 12 post challenged Nvidia’s decision but offered no alternative leadership proposal.
It's a mistake for Nvidia to let Jensen resign.
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) November 12, 2026
Zhao, widely known as CZ, did not announce any involvement in Nvidia’s succession process. His remarks added a cryptocurrency industry voice to the discussion surrounding the semiconductor company’s leadership.
CZ’s Warning Comes After Nvidia Confirms Departure
Nvidia announced on November 12 that Huang resigned as president, CEO, and board member, effective immediately. The company appointed finance chief Colette Kress as interim CEO while searching for a permanent replacement.
Kress will retain her chief financial officer responsibilities during the transition. Nvidia said its board would consider candidates from both inside and outside the company.
The board also appointed Harvey Jones as its first chairman. Jones expressed confidence in Kress and expected customer commitments and technology development to continue uninterrupted.
Zhao’s criticism contrasts with that official message of operational continuity. However, his post did not identify any specific projects or customers threatened by Huang’s departure.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and helped build a major supplier of artificial intelligence processors. His long tenure forms part of the leadership question raised by Zhao’s statement.
Leadership Questions Follow Board Investigation
The leadership change followed several days of scrutiny surrounding Huang’s personal conduct and reported security concerns. On November 8, Nvidia announced an independent investigation into reports involving a possible foreign intelligence effort.
At that time, the board said it had no reason to believe company secrets were compromised. It also publicly expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team.
On November 10, independent directors named outside counsel to conduct the investigation. Nvidia’s subsequent resignation announcement did not specify the reason for Huang’s departure.
Nvidia Faces a Leadership Test Before Earnings
Reuters reported Nvidia shares dropping more than 12% during early trading on November 12. That market reaction occurred alongside wider uncertainty about the company’s succession and leadership.
Reuters also quoted Michael Feldman, who identified execution as a central risk. He emphasized Huang’s role in coordinating Nvidia’s partners and suppliers. Nvidia has scheduled its third-quarter fiscal 2027 results for November 17. Its earnings announcement is set to proceed despite the leadership transition.
