Actually - is it so bizarre that Stephen Hester is getting booted like this? Hester probably did plan on another two years as RBS's chief executive. He probably is miffed about being taken off the bomb-disposal task still left on the bank's balance sheet. Although wasn't it becoming clear how dysfunctional the relationships with the Chancellor, the government and Parliament had been getting? Maybe it's the corollary of getting closer to reprivatisation. Maybe it's just us. There are some names in the FT's story for who might get the job now. Externally, Richard Meddings, Standard Chartered's finance chief, "is among the few British executives generally considered feasible ..." Internally, Nathan Bostock and Rory Cullinan. Update - we've been reminded that Meddings reportedly said the famous "You f - ing Americans" remark. Still. Here are FT Alphaville's top picks for who might like to take on the job: Reader contributions welcome. Headline via the Sun, of course Related link: Hester "vows to stay put" - Mark Kleinman (March)