Finding a successor to Jensen Huang at Nvidia is being compared to replacing Steve Jobs at Apple. In many ways, it’s actually harder.

Mr. Huang, 63, has much deeper technical expertise than the late Mr. Jobs did, with a keen understanding of the field of artificial intelligence and what chips and other technologies are needed to support it.

Unlike Mr. Jobs, Mr. Huang also forged close friendships throughout the industry, creating a complex network of partners, customers and suppliers. He turned Nvidia into a major player in Washington, built on a close relationship with President Trump and technology vital to U.S. national security.

And Mr. Huang shaped a culture at Nvidia that drove rapid-fire innovation while attracting some of the most accomplished engineers.

“They have to get someone who is an inspirational leader, that people love,” said Jeff Christian, chief executive of Christian & Timbers, an executive recruiting firm that frequently works with Silicon Valley companies. “This person has to be a great talent engineer, and a great talent magnet.”

Any candidate would also need an impeccable record for integrity and honesty, Mr. Christian and others noted.