Jensen Huang faces an independent inquiry by NVIDIA’s board
NVIDIA’s board has opened an independent investigation after reports that chief executive Jensen Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence effort. Independent directors and outside lawyers will examine the available information. Huang supports the review, according to the board, which said it had no reason to believe national security or company secrets had been compromised.
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Independent directors lead the inquiry
NVIDIA announced on 8 November that a committee of independent board members would oversee an investigation concerning founder and chief executive Jensen Huang. Outside independent lawyers will assist the committee. The decision followed allegations that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The board said the inquiry would cover all available information and placed US national and economic security at the centre of its response. It described those security priorities as paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders.[1], [2]
Huang apologises to employees
The chipmaker also released Huang’s message to employees acknowledging an extramarital affair. He apologised to his family and colleagues and said he had fallen short of his responsibilities to the company. His message did not name the other person. Earlier reporting identified Alice Huang, a former executive at the Singapore-based chip company Megaspeed. A memo circulated among US policymakers this year alleged that China’s Ministry of State Security had recruited her to spy on NVIDIA’s chief executive.[1]
Board retains confidence in the leadership
The board said it had no reason to believe national security or NVIDIA secrets had been compromised. It also expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team, saying he supported the review and had committed to cooperate. In its response to earlier reports about the relationship, NVIDIA had described the pair’s interactions as ordinary and said it did not share classified information with customers.[1]
