Fiat without a leader

ROME: Speculation is mounting over who will be groomed to head the giant Fiat empire following the death of Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, who was to have taken control. Agnelli, 33, died of cancer earlier this week.

Already, one Italian newspaper has tipped World Trade Organization chief Renato Ruggiero as a possible successor but noted that his current job runs into 1999.

Cesare Romiti, a long-time Fiat executive was to lead the empire while the young Agnelli was being primed. He is expected to stay on even though he was to retire in June, when he turned 75.