One of the challenges of being a top executive is cashing out of large holdings of stock. Most insider sales are done on strict schedules with much vetting by the board. You cannot blame execs for wanting to diversify a bit. But there are moments when the timing makes for a PR problem. Not that anyone is crying for Bear Stearns execs [0]. The top dogs sold in droves in December before the big collapse. MarketWatch notes former CEO Jimmy Cayne sold 172,621 shares worth $15.4 million. President Alan Schwartz sold 67,900 shares worth just over $6 million (Thomson).  

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