Super Micro Co-Founder Resigns from Board after Nvidia Smuggling Charges

• Three individuals were indicted including Liaw (senior VP of business development), sales manager Steven Chang, and contractor Willy Sun
• Super Micro placed two employees on leave and terminated its relationship with the contractor following the indictment
• DeAnna Luna, who joined from another company in 2024, was named acting chief compliance officer to oversee global trade and sanctions compliance

Summary: Super Micro Co-Founder Resigns Following Nvidia Smuggling Charges

Key Development:

Super Micro Computer announced that co-founder Yih-Shyan "Wally" Liaw has resigned from the company's board following federal indictment on charges related to smuggling equipment containing Nvidia artificial intelligence chips into China.

Individuals Involved:

• Yih-Shyan "Wally" Liaw: Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Business Development (resigned from board)
• Ruei-Tsan "Steven" Chang: Sales manager (placed on administrative leave)
• Ting-Wei "Willy" Sun: Contractor (company ceased working relationship)

Company Response:

Super Micro took immediate action by placing Liaw and Chang on administrative leave on Thursday and terminating its relationship with Sun. The company appointed DeAnna Luna, who joined from an undisclosed company in 2024, as acting chief compliance officer. Luna previously served as vice president of global trade and sanctions compliance.

Market Context:

The indictment comes amid heightened U.S. scrutiny over technology exports to China, particularly concerning advanced AI chips. The allegations involve violations of export controls designed to prevent sensitive AI technology from reaching China, a key geopolitical concern for U.S. authorities.

Companies Affected:

• Super Micro Computer (server manufacturer)
• Nvidia (AI chip producer whose products were allegedly smuggled)

Timeline:

• Thursday: Federal court indictment filed; employees placed on leave
• Friday: Liaw's board resignation announced; acting compliance officer appointed

This development highlights ongoing enforcement of U.S. export restrictions and could have implications for Super Micro's compliance procedures and business operations, particularly regarding international trade controls.