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AMD CEO Lisa Su listens to U.S. President Donald Trump speak during an event at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8. /AP via Yonhap

AMD CEO Lisa Su has emerged as a potential successor to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Taiwanese media reported, as speculation grows over a possible leadership change following Huang's admission of an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of having ties to Chinese intelligence.

Taiwan's Economic Daily News and Japanese News Network reported Wednesday, citing U.S. technology publication The Information, that executive search firms may be looking for suitable successors in case Nvidia's board decides to replace Huang. Potential candidates include Su and Arm CEO Rene Haas.

AMD, led by Su, competes with Nvidia in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip market. Under Su's leadership, AMD, which once struggled with stagnant growth, has increased its market value nearly 100-fold in recent years.

However, moving to lead a rival company may not be feasible. Su's distant family relationship with Huang could also pose an obstacle.

In that respect, Haas, who faces fewer potential complications, could be a more suitable candidate. He previously worked at Nvidia for seven years and is regarded as having extensive knowledge of the semiconductor industry.

The Associated Press (AP) also mentioned Nvidia co-founder Chris Malachowsky and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Colette Kress as possible successors. However, some analysts believe Kress, whose expertise lies in finance, may lack the engineering background needed to lead the company.

The Information suggested that Nvidia's board may have no intention of dismissing Huang, but some people with close ties to the company could be considering alternatives because they believe the scandal has caused some damage to its brand image.

Nvidia's board, the U.S. Congress and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are closely examining the matter. The Information predicted that the investigations could distract Huang and make it harder for him to focus on managing the company at a time when competition in the advanced semiconductor market, which Nvidia leads, is becoming increasingly intense.

The company may also be concerned that even if its board ultimately clears Huang of any wrongdoing, it could be difficult for him to fully restore his damaged reputation.

                                                                                                           Kim Hyun-min