TSMC's Morris Chang Offered Top Job to Jensen Huang: A Glimpse into Tech Giant's Succession Planning

In an intriguing revelation set to be detailed in his upcoming memoir, TSMC founder Morris Chang once considered offering the top job at the world's largest contract chipmaker to none other than NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. This insight into the strategic vision of one of tech's most revered leaders sheds light on the industry's power dynamics and the importance of succession planning.

Chang's approach to leadership succession has been a defining factor in TSMC's enduring success. As early as 2005, he began grooming potential successors, appointing Mark Liu, C.C. Wei, and Chiang Shang-Yi as co-COOs. This strategic move ensured a deep bench of talent and a smooth transition when Chang stepped down in 2018. The following year, Chang approached Huang about potentially taking the helm at TSMC, highlighting the mutual respect and collaboration between these tech giants.



Huang's consideration for the TSMC CEO role underscores his leadership prowess and the symbiotic relationship between NVIDIA and TSMC. Although Huang ultimately chose to remain at NVIDIA, this historical moment underscores the importance of fostering strategic partnerships and cultivating talent within the industry.



Chang's proactive approach to succession planning reflects his commitment to TSMC's long-term leadership and stability. By considering both internal and external candidates, he ensured a smooth transition and maintained the company's competitiveness. This strategy, coupled with the enduring partnership between NVIDIA and TSMC, has contributed to their collective success in the AI and high-performance computing fields.

As tech companies look to secure their long-term leadership, they can draw valuable insights from Chang's succession planning strategy. Prioritizing internal talent development, considering external candidates with proven track records, and fostering strategic partnerships can help ensure a smooth transition and maintain a company's competitiveness. Investors should take note of these dynamics when evaluating tech stocks, favoring companies with robust management and enduring business models like TSMC and NVIDIA.

In conclusion, Morris Chang's offer to Jensen Huang offers a fascinating glimpse into the succession planning strategies of tech industry titans. By considering both internal and external candidates and fostering strategic partnerships, companies can ensure their long-term leadership and stability. As investors navigate the tech landscape, understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions and identifying lucrative investment opportunities.