New York Times Reports Nvidia CEO Had Relationship With Executive Who Reports to Him

The New York Times report

Five employees at Nvidia said Jensen Huang, the company's chief executive, had an extramarital relationship with an executive who reports to him, according to The New York Times. The relationship was with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of health care, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Under Nvidia's code of conduct, employees are told to "avoid situations where our actions create conflict" including "personal relationships," and the company states that it "promptly investigates reports of misconduct."

Mr. Huang, 63, and Ms. Powell, 48, were captured on video being affectionate at a San Jose, Calif., hotel during a Nvidia conference in March, according to two of the people. The New York Times has not seen the video. Both are married to other people.

Other reported relationships and investigations

Mr. Huang is under investigation for an affair with a woman who U.S. intelligence determined is a Chinese spy. Last month, The Times reported that a Chinese executive he had become close to had been identified by U.S. officials as a Chinese intelligence asset. This month, after Mr. Huang acknowledged the affair, Nvidia's board opened an investigation into the matter led by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

The Republican leaders of three influential House committees have also asked Mr. Huang to appear for a closed-door briefing on his interactions with the woman, who goes by the name Alice Huang. China has denied the espionage claims. Ms. Huang has not responded to requests for comment.

Leadership changes

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has resigned following allegations that he had extramarital affairs, according to Al Jazeera. Nvidia's chief financial officer, Colette Kress, has taken over as interim CEO while the company looks for a permanent replacement. Huang also resigned from the board, ending his 33-year tenure as chief executive. Nvidia did not give a reason for his departure.

The company controls an estimated 90 percent of the market for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips and is one of the world's most valuable companies.

Why it matters

The reported relationships raise questions about conflicts of interest under Nvidia's code of conduct and potential national security implications given Huang's role at a major AI chip supplier. Nvidia's board has said it has no reason to believe national security was compromised, and there is no established evidence he knowingly assisted Beijing or that company secrets were compromised.

Sources

• nytimes.com: Jensen Huang Said to Have Had Relationship With Nvidia Executive Who Reports to Him - The New York Times
• aljazeera.com: Why did Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resign, and who is Colette Kress? | Business and Economy News | Al Jazeera

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.