Former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had an intimate relationship with a second employee, according to two people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported, adding to the controversy surrounding his departure from the chipmaker.
The revelation follows reports of two other extramarital relationships involving Huang, 63, who is married. These include alleged relationships with Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman suspected by US intelligence of being a Chinese spy, and Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice-president of healthcare.
Reuters said it was not naming the second employee and that attempts to contact her were unsuccessful. Nvidia declined to comment, while Powell, Huang and a representative for Nvidia’s board did not respond to requests for comment. Alice Huang could not be reached.
Huang acknowledged having an affair in a statement on November 8, following reports about his relationship with Alice Huang, although he did not identify her by name. Reports of the relationships intensified pressure on him to step down, leading to his resignation on Thursday.
Nvidia’s board has appointed finance chief Colette Kress as interim CEO while it searches for a permanent replacement. The board is considering both internal and external candidates.
Earlier this month, independent directors, assisted by outside legal counsel, launched an investigation into whether Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The board had expressed confidence in him when announcing the inquiry.
Huang’s departure could have wider implications for the artificial intelligence industry, which Nvidia helped shape through its dominance in AI chips and financial arrangements supporting companies building AI infrastructure. The company has backed cloud computing providers and AI laboratories through investments and other financing mechanisms that help them purchase its processors.
Nvidia shares fell 5.5% on Thursday in active trading. The stock has lost more than 30% of its value since reaching a peak in early October.
Source: Reuters
