But sentiment was building against Mr. O'Neal among former Merrill executives, some of whom made direct appeals to the board.
Still, the reaction is another reminder that despite the best-laid plans of marketing executives, some of the most effective advertising is unintentional and unpredictable.
The company confirmed that the faxed copy of Dr. Nissen's study had been read by its executives, "some of whom attended the meeting with Dr. Nissen".
Finally, the mortgage investors are astounded that Mr. Dilweg's plan keeps Ambac's executives, some of the same managers who wrecked the company, in place.
In the early days, the unorthodox "rubato" style of his delivery wasn't always appreciated by record executives, some of whom accused him of "speaking his songs".
Seasoned diplomats and company executives, some of whom have worked in dangerous posts in Africa and Latin America, said threats against school children represented a new level of terror.
But he maintains a "don't ask, don't tell" policy for his Israeli executives, some of whom hold unofficial meetings and phone sessions on the Sabbath.
Interviews with Sony executives, some of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not cleared by the company to talk publicly, portrayed a strong corporate response, eased by some lucky breaks.
The description of Mr. Johnson's role is damning — and although the account lacks his perspective, it is thoroughly supported through scores of interviews with academics, government officials and industry executives, some of whom are granted anonymity.
That angered Chinese officials and executives, some of whom suspect Mr. Thein Sein of trying to wean Myanmar off its overreliance on China and to encourage investment from the West.
