Sure but the L9 most likely had 1 on 1s with the SVPs who were in the know, and if they L9 had mentioned that they were thinking of retiring soon, especially after how well the stock as done recently, then the SVP might have just put them on the list to save a few other jobs.

Possibly, but I doubt the L9 was disclosed.

Surely if any IC would be in the know, it would be an L9.

To my knowledge ICs were not consulted, nor was most of management.