Article: Fidelity watchers ponder succession at the family firm; Despite rumors, observers focus on the future of Ned Johnson, not Rodger Lawson.(News)

Byline: Sue Asci

Although Fidelity executives last week quelled rumors about the potential departure of president Rodger Lawson, observers noted that the larger question about the firm is who will take over when chairman and chief executive Edward C. "Ned Johnson III, 79, retires.

"Mr. Lawson is a very important person and a very powerful player. But he does not hold the same clout at the company as [Mr.] Johnson, said Matthew Noll, a senior credit officer at Moody's Investors Service of New York.

Some observers speculate that Mr. Johnson's daughter, Abigail, could be her father's successor.

She is president of Fidelity's personal and ...

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