Nvidia Leadership: CEO Acknowledges Affair During Board Probe

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang disclosed an affair with Alice Huang, an AI executive identified as an agent of the Chinese government, in an internal memo released on Sunday. The company’s Board of Directors simultaneously announced that it had opened an independent investigation into the relationship. Both the board’s statement and the CEO’s letter to employees were issued on Sunday.

In the memo, Huang addressed his colleagues directly, stating that he was unfaithful to his wife. He wrote, 'I owe my family and all of you an apology.' Huang acknowledged that his actions hurt his wife and children and stated there was no excuse for his conduct. He accepted full responsibility for the damage caused and the criticism that followed. He described leading Nvidia as the privilege of his life and said he remained fully committed to serving the company.

The investigation centers on national security concerns raised in recent news reports regarding the relationship between the Nvidia chief and the Chinese executive. Huang confirmed in his memo that he supports the board’s initiative and will cooperate fully with the process. He expressed his commitment to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security, noting that he is proud to be an American.

Huang also addressed his personal life, telling his wife and family that he loved them and hoped they would heal over time. He stated that while an apology cannot undo what he has done, he intends to earn back their trust. He asked colleagues to shield his family from scrutiny, writing, 'My family bears no responsibility for my choices. I do.'

The memo, signed 'Jensen,' was distributed to staff across the global company. It included messages to long-time colleagues, board members, partners, and shareholders. Huang told this group that they deserved better from him. He admitted to falling short of his responsibility to be worthy of their trust but pledged to work to regain the confidence of Nvidia employees.

The board’s decision to investigate marks a formal step in reviewing the CEO's conduct. The probe is independent, as noted in Huang’s letter. No specific timeline for the completion of the investigation was provided in the Sunday announcement. The memo served as the primary vehicle for Huang’s public acknowledgment of the affair.