Although he was president during an era that is perennially retro cool (1963 to 1969), the man himself was known as a consummate politician and something of a workaholic.

BBC: A presidential tour of Austin

Since joining Merrill he has ushered out several O'Neal holdovers, including former co-president Ahmass Fakahany ("a consummate professional, " Thain called him on the way out the door).

FORBES: No Thain, No Gain

Ten months earlier the company failed to consummate what would have been a perfectly sensible merger with Norway's Telenor, also state-controlled (80%).

FORBES: Taking on Telia