Nvidia board to consider CEO Jensen Huang's future amid new affair allegations

Nvidia's board said it is launching an independent investigation after recent reporting linked founder and chief executive Jensen Huang to a suspected Chinese intelligence effort and to a second personal affair. The board plans to meet as early as today to determine Huang's future, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

The New York Times reported that Huang was seen being affectionate with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's vice president of health care, at a hotel during a work conference. Huang declined to comment to the Times.

CNN cited a memo sent by Huang to staff in which he acknowledged being "unfaithful to my wife" and expressed remorse. He wrote, "My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry. ... I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it."

Huang also said he will cooperate fully with the board's investigation and affirmed his commitment to Nvidia and U.S. national security.

Earlier reporting noted that a Chinese government-recruited executive, Alice Huang, had been tasked with gathering intelligence on Nvidia's advanced chips, which are restricted from sale in China. Nvidia described the interactions with Alice Huang as "not unusual" and consistent with routine customer meetings. The Chinese embassy called the reporting "unsubstantiated," while U.S. intelligence officials have highlighted the broader concern of foreign espionage targeting the company.