Who Will Succeed Dick Clark, At Merck, In Mid-2010?

Asked the question, today in an interview, here’s what CEO Clark had to say (Reuters reporting):

. . . .”If the CEO succession planning does not go the way I think it’s going to go, then my time as CEO will be a failure. That’s how strong I feel about getting this right,” he said.

Clark, who headed manufacturing at Merck before taking the helm, expressed confidence in his leadership team and said he is also seeking outside advice on the succession.

He would not comment on whether the next CEO might come from outside the company, saying that would ultimately be a decision for the board. . . .

See, there’s this one guy — and by mid 2010, he’ll be tanned, rested and ready. Bonus! — he already knows the Old Schering-Plough/Merck cholesterol management partnership, inside and out.

For all who’ve ever read more than one or two posts on this blog, you’ll immediately know the above is firmly tongue in cheek. For neophytes — the above is. . . firmly tongue in cheek.

[I've debated on and off since about 3 pm today about whether I'd post this at all.

But, "When in doubt -- send it out. . . ." I always say. So be it.]