Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is accused of a second extramarital affair with Kimberly Powell, the company’s vice‑president of health care, according to the New York Times. The allegation has triggered a board investigation and raised the prospect of a congressional subpoena.
New allegation reported by the New York Times
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, is alleged to have engaged in an extramarital relationship with Kimberly Powell, the firm’s vice‑president of health‑care. The claim is based on accounts from five Nvidia employees who said they saw the two being affectionate at a San Jose hotel during a conference earlier this year. The report does not include direct statements from either party.
Nvidia’s internal policies discourage relationships between senior leaders and subordinate staff, a point highlighted by the Times. While the company has not issued a formal comment, the board has already opened an investigation into the matter, adding to an ongoing probe of Huang’s previously admitted affair involving a woman accused of espionage.
Board actions and leadership uncertainty
Following the new allegation, the Nvidia board is reportedly preparing measures that could include the removal of Huang from his role. The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed sources saying the board is evaluating a possible ouster, a step that would follow the earlier scandal that forced the board to launch an inquiry.
The board’s deliberations occur alongside continued scrutiny of Huang’s conduct, with shareholders and analysts monitoring the situation closely. Nvidia’s co‑founder status and its market position make any leadership change a significant corporate event.
Congressional interest amid spy allegations
Two House Republicans indicated that Congress may issue a subpoena to Huang over the earlier espionage allegations if he does not voluntarily attend a closed‑door briefing. The potential subpoena underscores the intersection of corporate governance issues with national‑security scrutiny.
Lawmakers have not confirmed a formal subpoena request, but the statement reflects growing political pressure on Nvidia’s leadership. The outcome could affect the company’s regulatory environment and its public image.
TechTimes analysis
TechTimes believes the dual scandals surrounding Jensen Huang could destabilize Nvidia’s leadership at a critical time for the AI chip market. While the board’s investigation and possible removal signal internal accountability, the added prospect of a congressional subpoena ties corporate conduct to national‑security scrutiny. Investors are likely to watch how quickly Nvidia can restore governance confidence, as prolonged uncertainty may impact its stock performance and partnership negotiations. The situation also highlights the broader risk of personal conduct affecting technology firms that sit at the center of geopolitical competition.