'No ordinary CEO': Why the AI race cannot do without Nvidia's Jensen Huang

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's star power and influence in the AI industry is undeniable. Fans mob him for autographs, even billionaires seek his coveted AI chips, and analysts warn of his potential risk to the industry. Huang's role extends beyond being a chip supplier; Nvidia has turned its cash into a war chest to fund various AI companies and labs.

Analysts say Huang is Nvidia and pulls most of the company's strings. His influence is so great that he holds sway over the supply of AI chips, determining the speed of AI companies' growth. Huang has dismissed fears of AI's existential threat to humanity and remains a vocal champion for the technology. However, there is no clear successor to Huang, who has run Nvidia since its inception in 1993.

The company does not disclose a succession plan, and analysts say Huang has no special voting shares, making him dependent on the board's backing.