Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits affair, company launches investigation over alleged Chinese spy plot
Nvidia’s board has launched an investigation into whether CEO Jensen Huang was targeted in an alleged foreign espionage plot.
The move comes after Huang admitted to being unfaithful to his wife in a message to employees.
The allegations involve Alice Huang, a former executive at Megaspeed International, suspected to be recruited by a Chinese spy agency.
Nvidia’s board has launched an investigation into whether CEO Jensen Huang was targeted in an alleged foreign spy plot involving a woman suspected to be recruited by a Chinese spy agency. The move comes after Huang admitted to being unfaithful to his wife in a message to employees, reports Bloomberg. The company will form a committee of independent directors and work with outside legal experts to examine the allegations. Huang, 63, said he has apologised to his family and said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. He will continue as Nvidia’s CEO while the probe is underway.
Nvidia to investigate alleged Chinese spy plot
Nvidia would look into reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The company added that it currently has no reason to believe that national security or its confidential information had been compromised.
The allegations involve Alice Huang, a former executive at Megaspeed International, according to the report. US authorities reportedly suspect that she was recruited by a Chinese spy agency.
Huang had earlier denied having anything beyond a “normal” relationship with the woman. He has also said that his professional contacts with Megaspeed employees were similar to his interactions with other Chinese customers and business executives.
In his memo to employees, Huang said he would support the board's investigation. "I love our country and our company, and I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security," he said.
Jensen Huang apologises for affair
Huang has admitted to having an affair and apologised to his family. "I was unfaithful to my wife,” he wrote in his message. "My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did."
The Nvidia CEO said he was "deeply sorry." The company has not indicated that he will step down from his position.
Nvidia faces growing pressure over China links
Concerns over the potential leakage of sensitive information through Nvidia’s dealings with China have intensified calls for investigations and closer scrutiny of CEO Jensen Huang and the company. This has added to the pressure on Nvidia as it navigates an increasingly complicated geopolitical situation. Although the company is authorised to export a limited range of chips to China under a licensing programme, Beijing has restricted their imports.
Meanwhile, investors are pouring money into Nvidia ahead of its earnings report. They are betting that the company would continue to benefit from the massive spending on AI infrastructure.
Huang remains central to Nvidia's growth and its position in the global AI industry. The company has no publicly announced succession plan, and there is no clear replacement for him.