NVIDIA to Investigate CEO Jensen Huang’s Relationship with a ‘Chinese Spy’

NVIDIA, the world’s most valuable US company with a $4.5 trillion valuation, launched an independent investigation into its Chief Executive Officer and billionaire Jensen Huang after he admitted to having a relationship outside marriage with a woman allegedly accused of working for Chinese intelligence. 

Huang acknowledged the relationship in an email to NVIDIA employees on November 8, apologising to his wife, family and colleagues. 

“I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it,” he said. 

The admission follows a NYT report that a Chinese executive, linked to a Singapore-based data centre company, has been funnelling information into Beijing. 

Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang came under scrutiny for allegedly exposing sensitive company information, raising national security concerns in the US.

However, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Guo Jiakun denied any espionage charges. “The report in question is based on groundless speculation and is nothing more than an attempt to smear China,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the company issued a statement saying a committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation.  

“The Board prioritises US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders,” it said. “While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board’s inquiry will examine all available information.” 

Huang has agreed to cooperate with the investigation. NVIDIA also expressed confidence in his leadership and said it would provide further updates as appropriate.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives have called on Huang to testify before Congress about the relationship on November 18.