Nvidia’s board is considering whether to remove CEO Jensen Huang as controversy surrounding his personal conduct and alleged links to a Chinese businesswoman suspected of espionage intensifies.
The board reportedly met on Wednesday to discuss Huang’s future, marking a shift from its earlier public support for the longtime chief executive. The company has also launched an internal investigation and engaged outside legal advisers.
The controversy has unsettled investors, sending Nvidia shares down about 7% in early European trading on Thursday. The company could lose approximately $600 billion in market value over the week if the decline persists.
Huang, who co-founded Nvidia in 1993, has transformed the company into the world’s leading supplier of AI chips. His potential departure raises questions about succession, given his central role in the company’s strategy, product development and relationships with major customers.
Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress and senior technology executive Ian Buck have emerged as possible leadership candidates, although no successor has been formally announced.
The crisis also comes amid growing US-China tensions over advanced semiconductor technology. US authorities are reportedly examining allegations involving a Chinese businesswoman linked to Huang and suspected of facilitating chip shipments to Chinese companies. China has denied the allegations.
Nvidia is expected to release its quarterly financial results on November 17, with investors closely watching both its business outlook and the board’s next steps.
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