I'm sure we'll be hearing rumour upon rumour upon rumour about Crispin Davies' replacement at Reed when he leaves next year..

The Independent newspaper in London has started by saying this week......

David tipped to be Goliath of Reed Elsevier

News that Ftse 100 publishing giant Reed Elsevier has hired top headhunter Anna Mann to find a replacement for chief executive Crispin Davis, who retires next year, has set off a series of rumours in the world of media business. Some gossip-merchants are touting David Levin, chief executive of smaller rival United Business Media, as the most likely successor. An industry source points out that Mr Levin recently tried to create a Ftse 100 giant by merging with Informa – a deal that soon collapsed – and is known as being both highly ambitious and talented.