On December 12 (local time), just as Jensen Huang stepped down as the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nvidia, fresh allegations emerged that he had engaged in an extramarital affair with yet another Nvidia employee.
Reuters reported, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter, that in addition to Kimberly Powell, Nvidiaβs Vice President of Healthcare, who was previously reported to have been involved in a relationship with Huang, the former CEO was also romantically involved with another staff member. Reuters did not disclose the employee’s name and stated that attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful. Nvidia declined to comment, while Huang and the board of directors did not respond to inquiries.
Previously, following reports of his relationship with Alice Huang, a former Megaspeed executive whose ties to Chinese intelligence agencies were suspected by US intelligence, Huang admitted in an email to employees on December 8 that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He wrote, “My actions have hurt my wife and children, and there is no excuse for what I have done.” He did not name the other party in the email.
On the same day, Nvidia’s board of directors initiated an independent investigation regarding reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence agency. At the time, the board stated there was no evidence to suggest that US national security or Nvidia’s confidential information had been compromised.
Nvidia announced on December 12 that Huang immediately stepped down as president, CEO, and board member. The board appointed Colette Kress, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as interim CEO while searching for a permanent successor both internally and externally.
