SEOUL - Nvidia’s then chief executive Jensen Huang was mobbed by fans in Seoul, shared fried chicken and beer with South Korean business titans and charmed television viewers with the story of his marriage. Few foreign business leaders have enjoyed such a warm reception in South Korea.
Now, revelations about his infidelity have tarnished that carefully cultivated image, leaving some South Korean admirers disappointed and others questioning what his uncertain future means for the company they have invested in.
Huang, 63, acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife, Lori Huang, on Nov 8. Reports have linked him to two extramarital affairs, including one with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed who US intelligence officials reportedly suspect of ties to Chinese intelligence, and another with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice-president of healthcare.
In a statement late on Nov 12, Nvidia said that Jensen Huang has resigned as chief executive, president and member of the board. Chief financial officer Colette Kress will take over as interim chief executive as Nvidia looks for a permanent successor.
For some South Koreans who admired Huang’s approachable personality and apparent devotion to his family, the revelations have been particularly jarring.
“He took Nvidia to No. 1 in the world, a real underdog story. He had showmanship, and he seemed like a devoted husband,”
