His peers considered him a highly effective executive with top-to-bottom knowledge of the oil industry, acquired during decades with Shell.

Mr. Price, who is 47, cleared the air yesterday, announcing that he would step down as chief executive of the group, effective Nov. 1.

Mr Romiti, the ruthlessly effective chief executive who was their main target, did not present himself in court.

"From my point of view he is a talented, strong and effective executive," Mr. Eisner said.

But Palmer turned out to be an effective executive.

People who have worked with Mr. Thielen describe him as a quiet but effective executive.

Frankly, I don't see how anyone younger than 60 can be a fully effective chief executive.

But now, it seems that the powerful and effective chief executive resigned under pressure for far different reasons.

He had been the most effective executive the exchange had seen in a long time.

But while General Pagonis is clearly an effective executive, his management precepts are already known to corporate America, or should be.