Bank Of America CEO Search Still Looms

IEVA M. AUGSTUMS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — With Bank of America Corp. CEO Ken Lewis retiring in less than seven weeks, analysts don't see any candidate emerging as a front-runner for his successor.

The bank said this week that Lewis' replacement could be announced by late November. The board is considering a handful of insiders including Chief Risk Officer Gregory Curl and Brian Moynihan, the head of consumer banking. Other heads of Bank of America's major business units are also being considered, the bank has said.

The company has not identified any external candidates, but media reports have said Bank of New York Mellon Corp. CEO Bob Kelly remains a possible candidate although he has repeatedly expressed his lack of interest.

The search has turned into a difficult task, said Bart Narter, a senior vice president at consulting firm Celent.

"This is one of the most complex companies out there," Narter said. "You need to find someone who knows how to run an investment bank, a retail bank, and a mortgage bank, and a credit card business. That's tough."