Analysts interpreted that as progress because there had been reports several months ago that top-level executives from the two companies were not even speaking.

Federal Express lost 7.5 percent of its market value after two top-level executives said they would resign.

He is the fifth top-level executive to leave the firm in two weeks.

"Even most of the top-level executives don't have the delete codes."

"Now everyone is meeting with everyone," said one top-level executive who asked not to be named.

Most coaching sessions, excluding those for top-level executives, are conducted over the telephone or on the Internet.

"I see now that the voice of a company is not limited to top-level executives, vice presidents and public relations officers."

The law now eliminates mandatory retirement ages for all but very select positions, including top-level executives.

One group of top-level executives in the Authority warned against retaining the company, the report said.

Mr. Pozen's support for private accounts seems only natural given his long and successful career as a top-level executive in the fund management business.