He added that the search for a possible successor included outside candidates but that Corbat was at the center of the search all along.

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Some commentators have said his successor may be someone from outside the organisation with a fresh approach.

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Under Edward Breen, Mr Kozlowski's successor, Tyco brought in outside lawyers and accountants to comb through four years' worth of company records.

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A320's successor, may be made almost entirely outside the euro-zone.

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Then last fall the board announced a search for a successor, saying it would look at candidates inside and outside the company.

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Circle said it would recruit a permanent successor to Mr Ali, with candidates from both inside and outside the company.

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