Reed Elsevier: Reed in the wind

The end of Sir Crispin Davis’ decade-long reign as chief executive of Reed Elsevier has given rise to turmoil at the UK media group. It is becoming a textbook case of a badly handled succession. Davis left in March and his successor, Ian Smith, has now abruptly agreed to leave too. The precise circumstances are unclear. But the arrival in July of a new chairman in Anthony Habgood must have a lot to do with it. Incoming chairmen ought to review the boards they inherit, starting with the chief ex...