Nvidia board weighs ousting CEO Jensen Huang amid affair allegations

Nvidia’s board is mulling the ouster of chief executive Jensen Huang after news of two extramarital affairs, including one with a senior company executive, emerged as the crisis deepened over the state of the world’s most valuable artificial intelligence chipmaker.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the board was planning to remove Huang and was scheduled to have a meeting to determine his fate. Reuters separately reported that the board was gathering to consider removing the 63-year-old co-founder.

The latest controversy follows a report by The New York Times that Huang had a second extramarital relationship with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice-president of health care, who reportedly reports directly to him. She is said to have reported in to Huang directly, the outlet reports.

Asked about his relationship with Powell, Huang told the newspaper, “I don’t think you should be talking to me directly,” before ending the call.

Reuters separately confirmed that the board was meeting to discuss whether to remove the 63-year-old co-founder. Nvidia and Powell did not immediately comment.

Huang had previously said he was unfaithful in a note to employees, saying he takes “full responsibility” for his mistake. The company said it is now conducting an internal probe and has retained outside counsel.

Nvidia shares declined more than 8% in after-hours trading Wednesday on the reports, according to Reuters.