Elon Musk has indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to hire former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Responding to a suggestion on X, Musk wrote: “That would be an honor.”
Barely has Jensen Huang's departure from Nvidia been announced, and speculation about his next career move is already gathering pace. Elon Musk has publicly indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to hire the longtime Nvidia CEO. His comment came before Huang's resignation was officially announced. No formal job offer has emerged, but a potential collaboration would carry significant implications: Musk's companies are major customers of Nvidia technology while simultaneously developing their own AI chips.
Elon Musk has publicly signalled his interest in potentially working with former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Responding to a post on X by financial news account ZeroHedge urging him to hire the Nvidia co-founder, Musk replied: “That would be an honor.”
The brief exchange took place shortly before Nvidia officially announced on November 12, 2026, that Huang was stepping down as CEO and board member with immediate effect after 33 years at the helm.
Whether Musk intends to pursue the idea remains unclear. He has named neither a specific position nor the company that might employ Huang. There has also been no confirmation of any discussions between the two executives.
Nevertheless, Musk's response has attracted considerable attention. The two entrepreneurs have maintained close business ties for years.
Could a Customer Become an Employer?
Nvidia is one of the most important technology suppliers to Musk's businesses. Both Tesla and SpaceX require substantial computing power to develop and operate artificial intelligence systems.
Tesla uses AI computing infrastructure to train its autonomous driving technology and robotics applications. SpaceX, which acquired AI developer xAI in early 2026, is also investing heavily in expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities.
In March 2026, Musk explicitly stated that Tesla and SpaceX AI would continue ordering Nvidia chips at scale. He also praised Nvidia and its founder for their technological achievements.
If Huang were to join one of Musk's companies, that relationship could take on an entirely different dimension. The former head of a key supplier would become directly involved in the operations of one of its major customers.
Building an Independent Chip Industry
The timing of Musk's remarks is particularly noteworthy. Tesla and SpaceX are pursuing ambitious plans to develop and manufacture their own AI processors.
At the centre of these efforts is a joint project known as Terafab, intended to establish advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in Texas.
In October, Musk indicated that an initial test chip could be produced as early as 2027, with volume production targeted for 2028.
The timetable is widely considered ambitious. Building a modern semiconductor manufacturing operation requires substantial capital investment, highly specialised equipment, extensive production expertise and long-term supplier relationships.
Huang brings more than three decades of experience in building one of the world's most successful semiconductor companies. He transformed Nvidia from a graphics card manufacturer into the leading supplier of AI processors, helping shape the integration of hardware, software and large-scale computing infrastructure.
That expertise could be particularly valuable as Musk's businesses develop their next generation of chip technology and refine their broader AI strategies.
There is, however, an important distinction. Nvidia is a fabless semiconductor company: it designs its processors but relies primarily on specialist manufacturing partners to produce them.
Huang's experience would therefore be especially relevant to chip design, technology strategy and the development of integrated computing systems, rather than the day-to-day operation of semiconductor fabrication plants.
A Potential Shift in the AI Competitive Landscape
Whether Huang is interested in taking on another executive role remains unknown. It is equally unclear whether, and under what conditions, he could work for a major Nvidia customer and potential competitor.
Meanwhile, Nvidia is searching for a permanent successor. Longtime chief financial officer Colette Kress has assumed temporary leadership of the company.
Huang's resignation followed reports concerning personal relationships and potential security risks involving contacts linked to China. Nvidia has stated that it has found no evidence that company secrets or national security have been compromised. An independent investigation is examining the allegations.
Musk's public expression of interest nevertheless illustrates the considerable value Huang's technological and strategic experience continues to hold within the industry.
If the Nvidia co-founder were eventually to join one of Musk's businesses, the move could have implications for competition in AI processors, data centre infrastructure and proprietary semiconductor technology.
For now, however, the story rests on a striking public exchange on X. A possible collaboration has yet to become an actual hiring decision.
SK
