Nvidia board opens independent inquiry after reports of foreign intelligence targeting CEO

12 November 2026 update: Nvidia’s independent directors have named former acting US Attorney Joon H. Kim and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to conduct the investigation into matters surrounding chief executive Jensen Huang. The appointment is confirmed in the board’s 10 November statement.

Separately, TechCrunch reported on 11 November, citing The Wall Street Journal, that directors were considering replacing Huang and could meet to discuss his future. That is an attributed report about deliberations, rather than an announced removal.

The 10 November company statement identifies the investigators but announces no findings, leadership vote or successor. Those are distinct questions from who is conducting the inquiry.

Background: the 8 November statements

Nvidia’s board has opened an independent investigation following reports that chief executive Jensen Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence effort. A committee of independent directors, supported by outside counsel, will oversee the review.

In its 8 November 2026 statement, the board said it had no reason to believe US national security or Nvidia secrets had been compromised. It said the investigation would examine the available information and that Huang had committed to cooperate. The board also expressed confidence in him and his leadership team.

In a separate message published by Nvidia that day, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family, colleagues, board, partners and shareholders. He said he remained committed to the company and supported the investigation, while asking for privacy for his family.

The board’s statement names no country or alleged operative and announces no findings. Its assessment of whether information was compromised remains a statement from the board, rather than a conclusion of the inquiry.