Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang resigns following spy and affair allegations
The technology leader stepped down as CEO on Thursday after reports linked him to a Chinese businesswoman suspected of espionage.
Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang resigned as chief executive, president, and board member on Thursday, November 12, 2026, according to The Hindu. His departure follows reports of extramarital affairs, including a relationship with a Chinese businesswoman suspected of spying for China.
The resignation comes after media reports on Wednesday alleged Huang had an affair with Kimberly Powell, a vice president at Nvidia who reports to him. The New York Times reported the two were seen behaving affectionately at a hotel in San Jose, California, during a March conference.
The controversy also involves Alice Huang, a Chinese executive and controlling shareholder of the Singapore-based firm Megaspeed. US intelligence officials reportedly suspect her of having ties to Chinese intelligence services and using her relationship with Huang to obtain information regarding the American AI chip sector.
According to the Times of India, US President Donald Trump spoke to Huang on Wednesday but stated he was unsure if the woman's status as a spy had been confirmed. China has dismissed the allegations against Alice Huang as a smear campaign.
Following the announcement, Nvidia shares fell 10 per cent in premarket trading. Chief financial officer Colette Kress will act as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Megaspeed stated on November 12 that it intends to comply with US export control laws during the ongoing investigation.
