‘Bring back boss’: Nvidia employees urge board to reconsider Jensen Huang’s exit

Jensen Huang’s departure from Nvidia has not gone down well with a section of the company’s workforce. Days after the co-founder stepped down as CEO amid allegations surrounding his personal relationships, employees have begun voicing their support for him, with many asking the board to reconsider its decision.

An internal discussion on Nvidia’s employee suggestion platform has gathered more than 1,600 comments, most of them urging the board to bring Huang back. According to a report by WIRED, staff members have questioned the circumstances of his exit and argued that his decades-long contribution to the company should be taken into account before any final decision is made.

The discussion began with a post from a veteran Nvidia engineer, who asked the board to consult employees before deciding Huang’s future. The post appeared before his resignation and called for the findings of the board’s inquiry to be shared with staff, along with a formal consultation on “Jensen’s continuing as our CEO”.

Several employees have since used the platform to appeal for his return. One anonymous staff member wrote, “If you believe in the mission, bring back THE boss.” Another argued that Huang deserved another opportunity, saying, “We are all humans and can make mistakes. Jensen did so many good things and he needs a second chance.”

Employees Question Timing Of Huang’s Resignation

The criticism and support have also moved beyond the company’s internal platform. One Nvidia employee sent a company-wide email calling for a clearer explanation of the circumstances surrounding Huang’s exit and openly backing the former chief executive.

“I stand by Jensen,” the employee wrote, adding that supporting him did not mean believing he was beyond criticism. “I refuse to believe that standing for fairness must mean standing at a distance from someone whose leadership has meant so much to us.”

The email also highlighted Huang’s role in shaping the technology industry, with the employee writing: “If America fails the man who helped its future, then this world does not deserve Jensen Huang.”

Around two dozen Nvidia employees also expressed their support through LinkedIn posts shortly after the resignation.

A staff member who has spent a couple of years at the company told WIRED, on condition of anonymity, that backing for Huang’s return appeared to be widespread. The employee warned that Nvidia could face difficulties without its founder leading the company, saying, “Nvidia is Nvidia because of Jensen.”

A key concern among employees appears to be the timing of the resignation. Some had expected the board to finish its investigation and communicate its findings before taking a decision on Huang’s position. Instead, he stepped down as the inquiry was getting underway, leaving staff seeking an explanation for the sudden move.

What Led To Jensen Huang’s Exit?

Huang’s resignation followed reports of alleged extramarital relationships, including one involving Alice Huang, a former Megaspeed executive suspected by US intelligence of having links to Chinese intelligence. Further reports raised allegations of other relationships, one of which reportedly involved a direct report.

In an email sent to employees on Sunday, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologised for the pain caused to his family.

“I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions deeply hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,” he wrote.

Nvidia announced his resignation on Thursday morning. Huang had co-founded the company in 1993 and remained at its helm for more than three decades, overseeing its rise into one of the world's most valuable technology companies.

Following his exit, Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress was named interim CEO. Former Synopsys chief executive Harvey Jones was appointed chair of the board. The board itself includes several early investors and individuals who have worked with or known Huang for years.

While the employee backlash has been significant, there has been no indication that the board intends to reverse its decision. For now, the calls for Huang’s return underline the challenge Nvidia faces in managing the departure of a founder whose leadership has been closely associated with the company’s identity and growth.