Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has backed an effort to bring Jensen Huang back as Nvidia's chief executive, saying he would sign a petition seeking the former CEO's reinstatement following his abrupt resignation amid controversy over reports of extramarital affairs.
"A petition is underway to reinstate Jensen and I'm signing it too," Musk wrote in a post on X on Friday. He did not specify which petition he was referring to or clarify whether it was linked to an initiative by Nvidia employees.
In a separate exchange on the platform, Musk also responded to a suggestion that he hire Huang, saying it would be "an honour".
Huang stepped down as Nvidia's president, CEO and a member of its board with immediate effect on Thursday, November 12. The company announced that its executive vice-president and chief financial officer, Colette Kress, would take over as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor.
Nvidia employees seek Huang's return
Musk's endorsement came amid reports of support for Huang within Nvidia. According to a report by WIRED, an internal post on the company's suggestion box, submitted by an engineer before Huang's resignation, urged the board to consider employees' views before making a decision about the company's leadership.
The submission attracted more than 1,600 comments, with several employees calling on the board to find a way to bring Huang back.
The reported internal response has added to calls for the return of the co-founder, whose leadership has been closely associated with Nvidia's growth over more than three decades.
Nvidia's board, meanwhile, has initiated a search for a permanent CEO and said it would consider both internal and external candidates. The company has also appointed Harvey C. Jones, a long-serving board member, as its first-ever board chair.
Affair controversy behind Huang's exit
Huang's resignation followed reports about his extramarital relationships, including an alleged relationship with a woman suspected by some US intelligence officials of having links to Chinese intelligence.
Huang acknowledged having an affair in an email to Nvidia employees, which was subsequently made public by the company. He apologised to his wife and children, saying his actions had hurt his family.
"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children," he wrote.
Neither Huang nor Nvidia named the woman involved. The New York Times identified her as Alice Huang, a Chinese citizen and business executive. China's foreign ministry has rejected the allegations linking her to espionage.
The reports surrounding Huang's personal relationships had triggered scrutiny of his position at the company before his departure. Nvidia has not publicly attributed his resignation to any specific allegation.
Huang's three-decade association with Nvidia
Huang, 63, co-founded Nvidia more than three decades ago alongside Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem. He led the chipmaker through its rise into one of the world's most influential technology companies, particularly as demand for its processors surged during the artificial intelligence boom.
Huang and his wife, Lori, reportedly have two children, both of whom now work at Nvidia, according to the Associated Press.
His departure has prompted calls from some employees and prominent technology figures for the board to reconsider its decision. Musk's public support has added further attention to the campaign, although it remains unclear whether the petition he endorsed is an official employee initiative or an independent effort.