What's next for Robert Greifeld?

The CEO of Nasdaq, Robert Greifeld, has had a tough time lately. The ill-fated attempt to merge with the London Stock Exchange was a severe blow, made worse by the NYSE's success in inking a deal with Euronext. Light has been cast on the Nasdaq's future. And there's a sense of uncertainty. The last year, Nasdaq's shares have fallen more than 15 percent, while the NYSE-Euronext's stock has risen more than 20 percent. So it seems like John Thain is getting the best of Greifeld. For now, the Nasdaq is stuck with a lot of heavy share baggage from its LSE run, a whale of a battle going on domestically, more junk debt than it would like, and a sense that it must find a way out of the equities silo. It seems like the options market will be the final market of his success. If the Nasdaq fails to become a key player in that market, the critics will really come out.

For more:
- here's the Business Week article