Jensen Huang’s resignation as Nvidia’s chief executive followed reports of two extramarital relationships, an independent company investigation and growing concerns over national security and corporate governance.
Jensen Huang has resigned as president and chief executive of Nvidia, ending his 33-year leadership of the technology company after a scandal involving two reported relationships.
The 63-year-old billionaire’s departure came after reports linked him to a Singapore-based businesswoman suspected by US intelligence officials of working for China. A separate report also alleged that he had a relationship with a senior Nvidia employee who worked under him.
The controversy placed the head of one of the world’s most influential artificial intelligence companies under intense scrutiny.
According to Nvidia’s official announcement, Huang’s resignation took immediate effect. The company also appointed its Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
1. The alleged affair with a Chinese businesswoman
The first controversy involved Alice Huang, a businesswoman associated with Singapore-based technology company Megaspeed International.
A report by The New York Times alleged that US intelligence officials suspected she was working for China’s Ministry of State Security. They reportedly believed she had been tasked with gathering information from Jensen Huang.
The allegations attracted attention because Nvidia produces advanced chips used in artificial intelligence and data centres. Its technology also sits at the centre of US efforts to restrict China’s access to sensitive computing capabilities.
Huang admitted in an email to Nvidia employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He apologised to his family and accepted responsibility for his actions.
However, the admission did not establish that he knowingly participated in espionage or that Nvidia’s confidential information reached China.
In a statement announcing its independent investigation, Nvidia’s board said it had no reason to believe that national security or company secrets had been compromised.
2. A second reported relationship with an employee
The controversy intensified on Wednesday, November 11, when The New York Times reported a second alleged relationship.
The newspaper cited five Nvidia employees who said Huang had been romantically involved with Kimberly Powell, the company’s vice-president of healthcare.
According to the report, both individuals were married to other people. It also alleged that they were seen being affectionate at a hotel during an Nvidia conference in March.
The newspaper said a bystander recorded the encounter. However, it acknowledged that it had not seen the video.
The report added another dimension to the scandal because Powell reportedly worked under Huang. This raised questions about workplace boundaries and the company’s handling of relationships involving senior executives.
3. Nvidia’s board considered removing its CEO
The reports placed pressure on Nvidia’s board to address the allegations.
Initially, the board expressed confidence in Huang and announced an independent investigation overseen by independent directors and external legal counsel.
However, the situation changed as further allegations emerged.
According to Reuters, the board met on Wednesday to consider Huang’s future and whether to remove him.
The board’s reported deliberations came after growing concerns about corporate governance, national security and the company’s leadership.
Huang eventually resigned on Thursday, November 12. Although Nvidia announced his resignation, the circumstances surrounding the board’s reported plans to remove him have raised questions about whether he stepped down voluntarily or faced pressure to leave.
4. Who takes over from Jensen Huang?
Nvidia has appointed Colette Kress as interim chief executive.
Kress joined the company in September 2013 and has served as its executive vice-president and chief financial officer.
She will retain her finance position while leading the company until the board appoints a permanent successor.
Nvidia has confirmed that its search will consider both internal and external candidates.
Huang’s departure marks a major leadership change for a company he co-founded in 1993. His influence has been central to Nvidia’s growth and its position in the global AI industry.
The company must now manage the transition while an independent investigation examines the allegations surrounding its former chief executive.
Read also: Jensen Huang and the Alleged Chinese Spy Scandal: Who Is Alice Huang and What We Know So Far