Nvidia’s board of directors is considering removing CEO Jensen Huang following reports of two extramarital affairs and an investigation involving a woman suspected of having connections to Chinese intelligence. The company’s 11-member board met on November 11 to discuss the future of its longtime chief executive, according to people familiar with the matter. However, Nvidia has not officially announced that Huang has been fired.
The potential removal of Huang, 63, would mark a major leadership change for the semiconductor company he co-founded in 1993. Nvidia shares fell more than 8% in after-hours trading following reports that directors were preparing to remove him, raising concerns about the company’s leadership and future strategy.
Has Jensen Huang Been Fired From Nvidia?
Jensen Huang has not been officially removed as Nvidia CEO, although the company’s board is reportedly preparing to take action.
The Wall Street Journal reported on November 11 that directors were considering ousting Huang after disclosures concerning his personal relationships. Reuters subsequently reported that the board was meeting late Wednesday to decide whether he should remain chief executive.
Nvidia’s board consists of 11 directors, including Huang. The company considers the other 10 members independent.
Under Nvidia’s corporate bylaws, directors can remove the CEO with or without cause through a majority vote.
The potential decision represents a significant change from November 8, when Nvidia’s board publicly expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team while announcing an independent investigation.
Jensen Huang’s Affairs With Alice Huang and Kimberly Powell
The controversy began with reports concerning Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang, an executive associated with Singapore-based data center company Megaspeed.
American intelligence officials suspect Alice Huang of having connections to China’s intelligence services. Authorities have also examined allegations involving the diversion of advanced Nvidia chips to Chinese companies.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no public finding has established that Jensen Huang knowingly participated in espionage or illegal chip transfers.
On November 8, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife, Lori Huang, in a message to Nvidia employees.
“I owe my family and all of you an apology,” Huang wrote. “I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry.”
Additional allegations emerged on November 11 involving Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare.
Powell, 48, joined Nvidia in 2008 and has overseen the company’s healthcare business since 2017. She is married to Graham “Grady” Gerade, and the couple has two children.
The reported relationship between Huang and Powell raised further questions about Nvidia’s workplace policies concerning conflicts of interest involving senior executives.
Nvidia Board Opens Independent Investigation
Nvidia announced an independent investigation on November 8 after reports suggested Huang may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.
A committee of independent directors, supported by outside legal counsel, was appointed to oversee the review.
The investigation is examining whether sensitive corporate information or American national security interests were compromised.
Nvidia initially stated that it had no reason to believe company secrets or national security had been affected.
The board’s subsequent discussions about Huang’s future indicate growing concern about the controversy and its potential consequences for shareholders.
Nvidia Stock Falls as Investors React
Nvidia shares dropped more than 8% in extended trading on November 11 after reports emerged that the board was preparing to remove Huang.
The stock fell to approximately $159.51 in after-hours trading, extending losses recorded since the company announced its investigation.
Nvidia has lost hundreds of billions of dollars in market value during the controversy, although broader market conditions also influence its share price.
Huang owns approximately 3.6% of Nvidia and has led the company throughout its transformation into a major supplier of artificial intelligence processors.
His possible departure has raised questions about succession planning because Nvidia has not publicly identified a replacement.
Who Could Replace Jensen Huang as Nvidia CEO?
Nvidia has not announced an interim CEO or permanent successor.
Colette Kress, the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, is among the senior executives who could be considered for a temporary leadership role, although there has been no official confirmation of her candidacy.
Kress joined Nvidia in September 2013 after holding senior financial positions at Microsoft and Cisco.
Other experienced Nvidia executives could also be considered if directors decide to replace Huang.
The leadership discussions come shortly before Nvidia’s scheduled quarterly earnings announcement on November 17.
As of November 12, 2026, Huang remains Nvidia’s CEO according to the company’s publicly announced leadership status. The board’s deliberations have been reported, but no final decision removing him has been confirmed.
Leave a Reply