[ by Melanie Gretchen ]

James "Jes" Staley's may be on his way out as his chances of assuming the helm of CEO are diminishing, amid restructuring at the firm and interest by other firms.  In the last 3 months, the investment bank chairman was under consideration for the role of CEO at Baltimore asset manager Legg Mason and at Barclays.  At his current firm, Mr. Staley was in line to step in as CEO of JPMorgan's investment bank – to eventually succeed Jamie Dimon  – before a management reshuffle led to the appointment of Mike Cavanagh and Daniel Pinto as co-CEOs.  Is that the beginning of Mr. Staley's end at JPMorgan?

In the Running. Mr. Staley was on the shortlist at Legg Mason before talks fell apart last month.  Just years before, Mr. Staley had discussed the role while still CEO of JPMorgan Asset Management.  Similarly, Mr. Staley was on Barclays's shortlist to replace Robert Diamond Jr., before the British bank was won over by fear of a further executive exodus and the scrutiny of appointing an American to lead a British bank.

JPMorgan CEO or Bust. Mr. Staley, a Boston native and lifer at companies descendant from JPMorgan Chase, has distinguished himself among colleagues as a straight shooter with proven returns.  Two years ago, he told Fortune Magazine that if the role of CEO weren't available to him, he would "take an office at [hedge fund] Highbridge and sail."  That time may be coming sooner rather than later if Mr. Staley reaches his goal of top spot at a publicly traded company.

For further details, go to [CNBC, 12/6/12].