The personal lives of some of the world's most powerful business leaders have occasionally become as consequential as their boardroom decisions. For executives running multibillion-dollar companies, relationships, allegations of infidelity, and workplace romances have sometimes triggered internal investigations, damaged reputations, and even cost them their jobs.

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The latest controversy involves Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who admitted in a message to employees on November 8, 2026, that he was unfaithful to his wife.

The admission followed reports of his alleged relationship with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed, an Nvidia customer.

The controversy has taken a particularly serious turn because US intelligence authorities reportedly concluded that Alice Huang was a Chinese intelligence asset.

Nvidia's board has launched an independent investigation into whether a foreign intelligence operation targeted its CEO.

However, the intelligence allegations remain under investigation. Nvidia has said it has no reason to believe that US national security or company secrets were compromised. Huang has apologised to his family and colleagues and pledged to cooperate with the investigation.

Huang's admission has brought renewed attention to other corporate leaders whose personal relationships became public controversies.

Here are 10 notable cases.

1. Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's relationship with public relations executive Marcy Simon drew extensive reporting in July 2024. According to a New York Times investigation published in July 2024, Schmidt and Simon began dating in the mid-2000s, when both were married to other people. The relationship continued intermittently over several years, before they separated in 2014. The report also detailed the financial arrangements between the two following their relationship. The case attracted attention because Schmidt remained married to Wendy Schmidt throughout the period.

2. Laurent Freixe, former Nestlé CEO

Nestlé's former CEO Laurent Freixe was dismissed in September 2025 following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The company said the relationship breached its code of business conduct. Nestlé chairman Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla oversaw the investigation, with assistance from external counsel. Freixe's departure was particularly significant because he had occupied one of the most influential positions in the global food and beverage industry. Philipp Navratil was appointed as his successor with immediate effect.

3. Jide Zeitlin, former Tapestry CEO

Jide Zeitlin, who headed Tapestry, the parent company of Coach and Kate Spade, resigned in July 2020 amid renewed scrutiny of allegations concerning a relationship with a woman he had met more than a decade earlier. An investigation by ProPublica reported that Zeitlin had allegedly used a false identity while approaching the woman, who later entered into a romantic relationship with him. Zeitlin acknowledged having had a relationship with the woman but denied using his power, wealth or position to further it.

Tapestry launched an investigation into his conduct shortly before he resigned. The company announced that he was stepping down for personal reasons.

4. Andy Byron, former Astronomer CEO

Andy Byron became the centre of a global social media controversy in July 2025 after a Coldplay concert's kiss-cam captured him embracing Kristin Cabot, the company's then-chief people officer. The footage went viral after both appeared to move away from the camera on the stadium screen. The incident prompted widespread speculation about an alleged affair, although the video itself did not establish infidelity. Astronomer subsequently announced a formal investigation. Byron resigned as CEO on July 19, 2025, with the board accepting his resignation. The company said its leaders were expected to demonstrate conduct and accountability consistent with its values.

5. Steve Easterbrook, former McDonald's CEO

Steve Easterbrook was dismissed as McDonald's CEO in November 2019 after the company found that he had engaged in a consensual relationship with an employee, violating company policy. The controversy did not end with his departure. A subsequent investigation uncovered additional physical relationships with employees that had not been disclosed during the original inquiry. In January 2023, the US Securities and Exchange Commission detailed how the company withheld information about these relationships from its investigation. Easterbrook agreed to a settlement with the SEC without admitting or denying its findings.

6. Brian Krzanich, former Intel CEO

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich resigned in June 2018 after the company confirmed that he had previously been involved in a consensual relationship with an Intel employee. An investigation by internal and external legal counsel found that the relationship violated the company's non-fraternisation policy, which applied to all managers. Intel's board accepted his resignation, citing the importance of employees adhering to the company's code of conduct.

7. Per-Olof Loof, former KEMET Corporation CEO

Per-Olof Loof stepped down as CEO of electronic components manufacturer KEMET Corporation in December 2018 following a board investigation into a consensual personal relationship with an employee. The company's filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission said the investigation also examined related actions that were inconsistent with company policies. Loof resigned as CEO and from the company's board. William M Lowe Jr, KEMET's former chief financial officer, succeeded him. The company's disclosure did not establish that the relationship was an extramarital affair.

8. Brian Dunn, former Best Buy CEO

Brian Dunn resigned as Best Buy CEO in April 2012 amid an investigation into his relationship with a female subordinate. An audit committee investigation later found that Dunn had maintained an extremely close personal relationship with the employee, which negatively affected the workplace and violated company policy. The investigation also found that he had provided her with personal favours, including concert and sporting event tickets. However, the report did not establish that the relationship was romantic.