Nvidia’s board has opened an independent inquiry into reports that foreign intelligence targeted CEO Jensen Huang, prompting conflicting forecasts about his leadership and concerns about investment delays affecting South Korean companies.
On Nov. 8, the board put independent directors in charge of the inquiry into the reports, with outside counsel assisting. It said it had no reason to believe national security or Nvidia secrets had been compromised. The board has announced no findings or completion date.
Reuters reported that Future Fund investor Gary Black and Pepperstone research head Chris Weston reached different conclusions about Huang’s future. Black doubted Huang would remain CEO, while Weston said he did not expect Huang to be replaced. Their assessments are forecasts, not decisions by Nvidia.
Reuters also cited NH Investment & Securities analyst Ryu Young-ho, who raised the possibility that a drawn-out inquiry might postpone Nvidia investment decisions and affect South Korean companies. Ryu described a potential consequence, not an announced change in Nvidia’s plans.
The New York Times reported an unverified allegation, attributed to people briefed on U.S. intelligence, that Megaspeed executive Alice Huang had gathered information for Beijing. The intelligence behind the claim has not been made public. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected the report as unsubstantiated.
In a message published by Nvidia, Jensen Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologized to his family and colleagues. He pledged to cooperate with the inquiry but did not identify the other person.
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs said its investigation into Megaspeed continues. It said Singapore had conducted no investigation of Alice Huang concerning her alleged intelligence ties or relationship with Jensen Huang.
Three U.S. House committee chairs have requested a closed-door briefing with Huang about his reported interactions with Alice Huang and Nvidia’s security safeguards. They set Nov. 11 as the deadline for his response. Nvidia’s fiscal third-quarter results call is scheduled for Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. ET, and the chairs proposed Nov. 18 for the briefing.
