Reuters Points to Involvement of a Third Employee
Former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, after stepping down over extramarital affair controversy, was reported to have had an intimate relationship with another company employee. According to an exclusive Reuters report on the 12th, two people familiar with the matter said that in addition to the two previously disclosed extramarital affairs, Jensen Huang had a relationship with a third woman. The report did not disclose the identity of the employee, reporters tried to contact the woman but received no response, and the relevant parties have not yet responded to the latest report.
Prior Two Relationships and Responses
The two women previously involved were Huang Le and Nvidia healthcare business Vice President Powell. Among them, Huang Le is suspected by U.S. intelligence agencies of involvement in Chinese intelligence activities, but the allegations remain unproven. Jensen Huang issued a statement on November 8 admitting to extramarital affairs, but did not name the other parties in the statement. On the new report, Nvidia declined to comment, and Jensen Huang, Powell and Nvidia board representatives did not reply to media inquiries.
Board Appoints Interim CEO
As related reports emerged one after another and pressure mounted for Jensen Huang to leave the CEO position, Nvidia announced a leadership change on the 12th. After Jensen Huang stepped down, Nvidia's board appointed former CFO Kress as interim CEO and began searching for a permanent successor. The board is currently considering both internal and external candidates, and the original report did not provide a clear timetable for the final selection and handover.
Intelligence Investigation and Sharp Share Decline
In addition to the personal relationship controversy, Nvidia's board earlier this month launched another investigation to clarify whether Jensen Huang had been targeted by foreign intelligence operations. The investigation is led by independent directors and assisted by outside legal counsel. Notably, the board had said at the time that it retained confidence in Jensen Huang, but management has since changed. Jensen Huang long led Nvidia's development of AI-related businesses, and the company has also helped cloud computing firms and AI labs purchase Nvidia chips through financial support and investment arrangements. Nvidia shares fell 5.5% on the 12th amid heavy trading, more than 30% below the early-October high.