Who is Kimberly Powell? Nvidia VP at centre of row as Jensen Huangs second affair comes to light
The latest allegations have emerged amid a separate controversy involving Huang's reported relationship with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang.
PTC News Desk: Kimberly Powell has worked at Nvidia for more than 18 years, rising from the position of director in 2008 to become the company's vice president of healthcare. However, the 48-year-old executive is now in the news over allegations of a relationship with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, 63, who is also her senior, according to a report by The New York Times.
The newspaper, quoting five people who have worked at Nvidia, reported that Huang and Powell were seen behaving affectionately at a hotel in San Jose, California, during the company's annual developer conference in March. Two sources claimed that the interaction was also recorded on video.
Who is Kimberly Powell ?
Powell joined Nvidia as a director in 2008 and has gradually moved up the corporate ladder. According to her company profile, she initially focused on promoting the use of Nvidia's AI chips in medical imaging.
Before joining Nvidia, she worked as an engineer and later in product development at an electronics startup. She eventually approached Nvidia to discuss its computing chips. After recognising the possible use of its technology in healthcare, the company contacted her about joining, she said in an August episode of the Lifers podcast.
Powell's professional association with Jensen Huang
Powell has worked with Jensen Huang since joining Nvidia in 2008. Huang co-founded the company in 1993 and has remained its CEO ever since.
During her August interview on the Lifers podcast, Powell spoke about Huang's long-standing interest in healthcare and his plans for the sector.
She said Huang had been interested in healthcare for more than 20 years. His interest was driven by the work of researchers who wanted to make a meaningful difference in healthcare and the possibility of using Nvidia's technology to help them achieve their goals.
What does Nvidia's Code of Conduct says ?
The allegations have also brought attention to Nvidia's workplace rules. The company's code of conduct, which begins with a letter from Huang, lists personal relationships as one of the situations that could lead to a conflict of interest.
The policy asks employees to avoid situations where their personal actions could conflict with the company's interests. It also states that Nvidia "promptly investigates reports of misconduct."
Nvidia board considering Huang's ouster
The allegations surrounding Huang's personal relationships have raised questions about his future as Nvidia CEO.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the company's board is planning to remove the 63-year-old billionaire following reports about his alleged extramarital relationships.
The controversy has also affected Nvidia's shares, which reportedly fell around 8 per cent in after-hours trading. Including Wednesday's decline, the company lost nearly USD 600 billion in market value during the week.
Bloomberg has also reported that Nvidia's board is working with an external firm to identify possible successors, as the company does not have a clear succession plan.