Few leaders of big American companies dominated their firms as completely as Maurice "Hank" Greenberg; few stood So large in their industry. It is often said, only half in jest, that American International Group (AIG) had a flat management structure, with 90,000 employees all reporting to Mr Greenberg. Anyone could get a call from Mr Greenberg at any time-even on holiday-demanding in the harshest terms information in the tiniest detail. On the other hand, AIG employees rushed to hospital could be greeted by a message from the boss, who somehow had learned of their plight and had taken steps (engaging a noted doctor, perhaps) for their care. Despite being 79 years old, and having led AIG since 1968, Mr Greenberg seemed more determined than anyone else in the insurance business to stick around. Any mention of retirement would be brushed aside. Although Mr Greenberg had acceded to a succession plan, this was to be revealed only if he dropped dead.
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