Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is once again under intense scrutiny following a New York Times report alleging an extramarital affair with Kimberly Powell, the company's Vice President of Healthcare, who directly reported to him. This latest revelation adds significant pressure on the chipmaker's leadership and corporate governance.
According to the November 11 report, five former Nvidia employees confirmed the alleged relationship between Huang, 63, and Powell, 48. Both executives are married to other individuals. Powell joined Nvidia in 2008 and assumed her role as VP of Healthcare in 2017.
Hotel Incident and Security Response
The report detailed an incident at a San Jose hotel during an Nvidia conference in March 2026, where Huang and Powell were reportedly filmed in an affectionate interaction. Individuals briefed on the episode stated that members of Huang's security team approached the person who recorded the interaction, attempting to secure a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
When contacted by The New York Times, Huang reportedly ended the call after stating, "I don't think you should be talking to me directly." Powell did not respond to requests for comment, and Nvidia has yet to officially address this specific report.
Prior Admission and Broader Controversies
This new allegation surfaces just days after Huang, on November 8, sent a message to Nvidia employees admitting to being unfaithful to his wife and apologizing to his family, colleagues, and shareholders. He acknowledged there was "no excuse" for his actions.
Huang's earlier admission came amidst a separate controversy involving Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman linked to Singapore-based Megaspeed. US intelligence officials are reportedly investigating whether she was involved in efforts to obtain sensitive information or facilitate access to Nvidia chips for Chinese entities. Jensen Huang has consistently denied any knowledge of these alleged intelligence links.
Board Scrutiny and Market Impact
Nvidia's board has already initiated an independent investigation into the CEO's conduct, engaging outside legal counsel. The company has publicly stated it has no reason to believe that its secrets or US national security information have been compromised.
Further reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters indicated that Nvidia's board is actively discussing Huang's future and considering his potential removal as CEO, a position he has held for over three decades. These developments led to Nvidia shares falling more than 8% in after-hours trading on November 11, raising investor concerns about a potential leadership vacuum.
US lawmakers have also sought answers from Huang regarding the national security allegations, with a congressional subpoena reportedly possible if he does not agree to a closed-door briefing. As Nvidia prepares to announce its quarterly earnings on November 17, the company faces significant challenges navigating these complex issues concerning its CEO, corporate governance, and investor confidence.