SB was the heir apparent well before even he took the photo for his security badge. Very cozy with MD and ST, et.al. With SB, those at the top and their sycophants knew what they were getting, and that they would all continue to be compensated handsomely. Total grift like a bunch of skeezy lo----e politicians. If there ever was any discussion about an external hire, it would have been quickly shut down and documented likely as: "staff would struggle with a sudden culture change given circumstances we have all faced over the last two years." Us lowly pleb staff who have largely (and quietly) hoped for meaningful change at the top just would not be able to deal with it. Fyi, to anyone external reading this, speaking up against the powers here is a strike against you and career limiting move.
Just watch. When there will be a misstep in leadership (coming soon), SB will call for a round or two of layoffs to regain confidence within the investment community.