A pedestrian places a candle in front of an Nvidia sign outside the company's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday (local time). [AFP]
A pedestrian places a candle in front of an Nvidia sign outside the company's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday (local time). [AFP]

A somber mood has settled inside Nvidia after founder Jensen Huang stepped down as CEO following an affair scandal.

CNBC reported Thursday (local time) that some employees were moved to tears when news of Huang's resignation broke, with a sense of complicated grief spreading through the company.

Outside Nvidia's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, bouquets of flowers and candles were left at the building's entrance. No messages accompanied them, but CNBC said the gesture appeared to reflect grief over Huang's departure.

An anonymous source told the network that many employees had idolized Huang and considered him essential to Nvidia's identity, describing the atmosphere inside as "more complicated" than outside observers might appreciate.

Concern is also growing that his absence will deal a significant blow to the company, given the commanding leadership style that drove its rise. Huang was known for forgoing a formal succession plan and instead overseeing the company's operations by receiving direct reports from roughly 60 senior executives.

Tension has risen among senior management, and the board is weighing how to prevent any slowdown in Nvidia's business, CNBC said.

Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has taken over as interim CEO and is working to steady the organization. Kress told employees that day that "you are our greatest strength" and announced plans to hold a companywide meeting Nov. 18 to discuss the path forward.


yckim6452@heraldcorp.com