Board investigates Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid allegations he was target of Chinese intelligence effort

Board launches independent review

Nvidia said its board is starting an independent investigation following reports that its co-founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, was the focus of a foreign intelligence effort. A group of independent directors will supervise the review with help from outside counsel.

The board said it had no reason to believe Nvidia’s secrets or national security had been compromised. It described U.S. national and economic security as a priority for the company and its shareholders.

A company spokesperson said Huang fully supports the review and intends to continue leading Nvidia. Huang also said he would cooperate fully with the investigation.

Reports focus on Alice Huang

The New York Times reported last month that U.S. authorities were investigating Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman and former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed. The report said Jensen Huang had a close relationship with her, and that U.S. intelligence officials believe she worked as a spy for China’s Ministry of State Security.

Alice Huang previously worked as a television reporter in China before becoming a senior executive at Megaspeed, a data center company. The Times reported that Megaspeed bought more than $4.8 billion in Nvidia chips over the past two years, making it one of Nvidia’s largest customers in Southeast Asia.

Huang issues personal apology

In his statement, Huang said he was committed to Nvidia and to supporting U.S. national security. He also said he was proud and grateful to be an American.