All the "high-level" resignations continued to be employed by the company as "consultants".

There are also concerns that the board's new tilt may have prompted at least some of a recent series of high-level resignations.

These activities were brought to light in the Susurluk scandal which surfaced in 1996 and resulted in several high-level resignations in the Turkish Government.

Mr. Murtha was joined in his call for high-level resignations by Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the House Democratic leader.

But while the shake-up prompted some high-level resignations, Moody's said it had decided that it was time for a change, citing a perceived need to realize efficiencies, among other reasons.

Mr. Obey will probably not be the last Democrat to demand high-level resignations.

SAirGroup, the parent company of Switzerland's national carrier Swissair, has been hit by a third high-level resignation this year.

MGM/UA has been in near-turmoil in recent weeks after several high-level resignations.

A senior Wall Street executive with ties to the firm said more high-level resignations were expected.

Afek Tounes' had 17 high-level resignations after the election.