US’ Bessent says Nvidia must ‘go outside the company’ to find new CEO after Jensen Huang

Jensen Huang's exit from Nvidia, rooted in a corporate scandal, has elicited an overwhelming wave of support from former colleagues and Silicon Valley figures, who view him as a legend. The Nvidia CEO resigned on Thursday following multiple extramarital affairs, including one with a subordinate and another with a woman suspected of being a Chinese intelligence asset.

Despite his exit, Huang's impact on Nvidia's brand and identity remains profound, with his image, complete with a signature black leather jacket, frequently utilized in marketing materials, even featuring an AI-powered hologram at the company's annual conference.

Huang's influence transcended Nvidia's walls, as his departure was met with tributes from current and former staff on social media. Colleagues like Edward Liu, who started as an intern, mourned the loss, praising Huang as an inspiring leader who instilled a philosophy of reasoning from first principles. However, skepticism arose from within the company, with senior research scientist Gavin Woolery expressing doubts about the rapid ousting, urging a fair trial before passing judgment.

The broader tech ecosystem felt the impact of Huang's departure, with Nvidia often referred to as the "central bank" of the AI industry. Huang's support extended beyond technical prowess, as he laid the foundation for Nvidia's expansive investments and partnerships, positioning it as a major player in the sector. Critics, including ex-Nvidia employees like Bryan Catanzaro and Sequoia Capital's Shaun McGuire, acknowledged Huang's significant contributions while recognizing the void his absence creates, highlighting his technical acumen, aggressive leadership, and founder role.

Despite the controversy, Huang's legacy looms large, with his support and promotion of open-source technology remaining a beacon for many in the AI community.