Gilbert F. Amelio

When humorist Russell Baker's was offered the role of host of the PBS series Masterpiece Theater: "I don't want to be the fellow who follows Alistair Cooke; I want to be the one who follows the poor slob who follows Alistair Cooke..."

Okay, impossible situation, right? In retrospect, Gil offered what he had: managerial competence. What they needed was vision, which is why he was succeeded by a visionary. Seeing someone transcend an impossible situation would have made a gripping book; as it show more turned out Mr. Amelio couldn't manage it. show less