Nvidia board weighs Jensen Huang’s ouster amid explosive scandal

Nvidia’s board of directors has reportedly met to consider removing chief executive Jensen Huang as allegations surrounding his personal relationships and a suspected Chinese espionage case trigger growing pressure on the technology giant.

The reported meeting marks a major shift in the board’s position. Just days earlier, directors had expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team. Under the company’s rules, he can be removed through a majority vote of the board.

The controversy centres on reports of two alleged extramarital relationships involving the 63-year-old executive. One concerns Alice Huang, a businesswoman suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence and alleged efforts to facilitate shipments of Nvidia chips to Chinese companies.

A separate report alleged that Huang had a relationship with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare, who reportedly worked under him. The company and Powell had not publicly responded to requests for comment.

Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a message to employees but did not provide details about the relationships. He also declined to discuss the allegations when approached by a journalist.

The controversy has raised concerns about corporate governance, national security and Nvidia’s future leadership. US intelligence scrutiny of the suspected Chinese connection has also prompted calls in Washington for tighter restrictions on advanced chip exports to China.

Nvidia shares reportedly fell more than eight per cent in extended trading following reports that the board was considering Huang’s removal. The decline threatened to wipe out hundreds of billions of dollars in the company’s market value.

The potential departure of Huang could create uncertainty at the world’s leading artificial intelligence chipmaker. He co-founded Nvidia more than three decades ago and played a central role in transforming it into a technology powerhouse valued at around $4 trillion.

The company has no clearly established successor. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has been mentioned as a possible interim replacement, while other senior executives are also being discussed as potential candidates. Reports have also suggested that the board has sought outside assistance in identifying successors.

The leadership uncertainty comes as investors prepare for Nvidia’s quarterly financial results, scheduled for November 17. Analysts believe demand for its AI chips could remain strong, but concerns about its leadership may affect investor confidence and companies dependent on its technology.

The allegations have also attracted political attention. US lawmakers are seeking answers from Huang over the suspected links to China, with the possibility of a congressional subpoena if he does not agree to provide a closed-door briefing.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for Huang, although he said he had not discussed the allegations with the Nvidia chief. Meanwhile, separate reports have raised questions about whether senior US officials delayed efforts to prevent Nvidia chips from reaching Chinese companies.