Former Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang reportedly turned to a prominent crisis communications firm nearly a year before his extramarital affair with a woman suspected of having ties to Chinese intelligence became public.
According to WIRED, Huang had been working with Heller, a public relations consultancy founded by veteran strategist Risa Heller, since at least October 2025. Two people familiar with the arrangement told the publication that the firm helped manage his communications behind the scenes.
The revelation has drawn attention to Heller's reputation as a discreet adviser to influential figures navigating damaging publicity, a role reminiscent of Olivia Pope, the fictional political fixer from the television series Scandal.
However, there is no evidence that Huang initially hired the consultancy to conceal his affair.
Who Is Risa Heller, Jensen Huang's Reported 'Olivia Pope'?
Heller has established herself as a prominent crisis communications specialist, advising politicians, business leaders and public figures during periods of intense scrutiny. A 2023 New York Magazine profile detailed her work with clients facing sensitive personal controversies.
Among those associated with her professional work are former congressman Anthony Weiner, celebrity chef Mario Batali and writer Jeffrey Toobin. Her consultancy also handles conventional corporate communications and reputational matters unrelated to personal misconduct.
Before establishing her business, Heller worked for former Democratic congresswoman Jane Harman and served as New York City press secretary to Senator Chuck Schumer.
Why Did Jensen Huang Hire a Crisis PR Firm?
WIRED reported that Heller's initial involvement was understood to concern aspects of Huang's private affairs, potentially including charitable activities undertaken by his family. Consultants reportedly maintained regular contact with Huang and his daughter Madison, who works in product marketing at Nvidia.
By late October 2025, Nvidia's communications staff had reportedly been instructed to involve Heller's team whenever journalists approached the company with questions about Huang.
The arrangement followed a New York Times investigation into Nvidia's commercial connections with Megaspeed, a Singapore-based technology business linked to Alice Huang.
The report raised questions about possible efforts to circumvent American restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. Whether the consultancy's work at that stage extended to Huang's romantic relationship remains unknown.
When approached by WIRED, Heller's representatives directed questions to Nvidia, which did not immediately comment.
Jensen Huang Resigns as Nvidia CEO Amid Affair Investigations
The revelations have taken on greater significance following Huang's resignation as Nvidia chief executive on Thursday, 12 November.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Huang stepped down following disclosures concerning two extramarital relationships, including one involving Alice Huang and another reportedly involving Nvidia executive Kimberly Powell.
US intelligence officials suspect Alice Huang of working for Chinese intelligence, according to reporting cited by the newspaper. Those suspicions remain allegations rather than publicly established findings.
Huang previously acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a message to employees, apologising for the distress caused to his family.
Nvidia's board subsequently launched an independent investigation into his activities, while stating that it had no reason to believe confidential company information or national security had been compromised.
The company has appointed finance chief Colette Kress as interim chief executive while its board searches for a permanent successor.
Huang's departure marks a dramatic leadership change for the semiconductor giant, whose rapid expansion helped establish him as one of the technology industry's most influential figures.
