For years, Jensen Huang has been the face of Nvidia, the company powering the global AI boom. But the tech giant is now facing an unexpected crisis, with its co-founder caught up in reports of alleged relationships and a separate controversy involving a businesswoman suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence.
The developments have reportedly put Huang's leadership under scrutiny, with Nvidia's board meeting on 11 November to discuss his future as CEO.
Could the man behind Nvidia's rise be forced to step aside? What exactly has brought the controversy to the company's boardroom?
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How Did It Start?
The controversy first emerged following reports of Huang's alleged relationship with Alice Huang, a businesswoman associated with Singapore-based technology company Megaspeed.
US intelligence officials reportedly suspected Alice Huang of having links to Chinese intelligence and facilitating shipments of Nvidia's advanced AI chips to Chinese companies. This raised concerns about possible exposure of the company's business relationships and sensitive information.
On 8 November, Nvidia announced an independent investigation into reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. A committee of independent directors, assisted by external legal counsel, would oversee the probe.
The company said it had no reason to believe its confidential information or national security had been compromised.
That same day, Huang apologised to Nvidia employees, admitting he had been unfaithful to his wife. He accepted responsibility for hurting his family and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.
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What Is The Other Relationship Report?
On 11 November, reports alleged another extramarital relationship involving Huang, this time with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice-president of healthcare, who reportedly worked under him.
Citing five former employees, the reports said two had seen them behaving affectionately at a San Jose hotel during a conference in March. It also reported that a bystander recorded them, prompting Huang's security team to intervene and ask the person to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Huang did not directly address the allegations. The reported relationship has not been independently established, raising further questions about workplace conduct and corporate governance.
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Can Nvidia Actually Remove Its Co-Founder?
Despite being Nvidia's co-founder and holding a significant stake, Huang can still be removed as CEO.
Under Section 32 of Nvidia's amended bylaws, the board can remove a company officer, with or without cause, through a majority vote. The CEO is included in this provision.
This means the board does not need to wait for a criminal conviction to remove Huang as CEO. However, removing him as CEO and removing him as a director are separate processes.
According to Reuters, Nvidia has 11 directors, all considered independent except Huang.
What's At Stake For Nvidia If Huang Leaves?
The allegations have raised concerns about conflicts of interest, internal oversight and national security. Nvidia shares fell over 8% in extended trading on 11 November amid reports of Huang's possible removal.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 with Curtis Priem and Chris Malachowsky. He owns around 3.6% of its shares and led its transformation into an AI chip giant.
Bloomberg reported that the board was exploring replacements, including CFO Colette Kress for an interim role and data centre executive Ian Buck as a possible successor. Neither is confirmed.
With results due on 17 November, Nvidia faces leadership uncertainty. As of 12 November 2026, no final decision on Huang's position has been announced.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Why is Nvidia's board considering removing Jensen Huang?
Reports of two alleged extramarital relationships have raised questions about his leadership and corporate governance.
Who is Kimberly Powell?
She is Nvidia's vice-president of healthcare, who was named in an alleged relationship with Huang.
Who is Alice Huang?
She is a businesswoman associated with Singapore-based company Megaspeed. US intelligence reportedly suspects her of links to Chinese intelligence and facilitating shipments of Nvidia chips to Chinese companies.
Has Jensen Huang admitted to the allegations?
Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in an internal message but did not identify the individuals involved or address the specific reports.
Can Nvidia remove its co-founder as CEO?
Yes. Its bylaws allow the board to remove a company officer with or without cause through a majority vote of directors.
Has Nvidia removed Jensen Huang?
As of 12 November, no official announcement confirming his removal has been made.
Who could replace him?
CFO Colette Kress and data centre executive Ian Buck have been mentioned as possible successors, but no replacement has been confirmed.
