NVIDIA’s independent directors said on November 10 that they had retained outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation. The directors named former acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim and his firm, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. The appointment adds the name of the outside investigator to the process the company announced on November 8.
What the board announced first
In its November 8 statement, NVIDIA’s board said it was initiating an inquiry in light of news reports concerning CEO Jensen Huang. It said a committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, would oversee that work. The statement also said that Huang supported the review and had committed to cooperating with it. The November 10 update identifies the counsel and leaves that oversight structure as described in the earlier statement.
What the statements establish
The board said on November 8 that its inquiry would examine all available information. It also described its assessment at the time, saying it had no reason to believe national security or company secrets were compromised. That assessment is attributed to the board’s initial statement. The separate November 10 update is about the appointment and provides no published findings or completion date.
What to watch next
For readers following the company’s governance, the relevant change is the appointment of named independent counsel. The earlier board statement said the company would provide further updates as appropriate. A later statement could clarify what the inquiry reviewed, whether it reached findings and whether the board takes further action. Until such an update, the documented record consists of the board’s announcement of the process and the independent directors’ choice of counsel.
