Nvidia board weighs CEO succession after Huang affair reports

Nvidia’s board is working with an outside firm to identify potential replacements for CEO Jensen Huang following reports of extramarital affairs, including one with a woman suspected of spying for China, and is considering naming a temporary chief. Directors met Wednesday to discuss Huang’s fate, with the Wall Street Journal reporting the board was preparing to oust him. The crisis began Sunday when Huang admitted to an affair with Alice Huang, an executive at a Southeast Asian customer, who the New York Times reported is suspected of operating as a Chinese agent. The situation escalated Wednesday with reports of a relationship with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare. Nvidia and Powell didn’t respond to requests for comment. Ousting Huang, the only CEO Nvidia has ever had, would end a tenure marked by a 700,000% share price surge, but keeping him risks scrutiny over trade secrets and his relationship with a direct report. The company’s stock dropped 8% in extended trading, highlighting the lack of a succession plan for the 63-year-old leader.