Guest Editorial from a Previous Editor-in-Chief: Reflections of a Former Editor

Abstract

How I Got Appointed I was in the hallway at a Marketing Science conference trying to figure out which session to attend next when I noticed that the distinguished trio of Frank Bass, John Little, and Don Morrison was bearing down upon me. They ushered me into a small, dimly lit room and asked whether I would like to serve as the next Editor of Marketing Science. My first comment was: we already have an Editor—Don Morrison had recently been appointed as the founding Editor. It turned out, however, that Don had now been appointed editor of Management Science, requiring the appointment of a new Editor for Marketing Science. I was one of three Area Editors for Marketing Science at that time and felt honored to be chosen as the next Editor by Frank, John, and Don. I requested a couple of days to think about the offer, spoke with my wife (who wasn’t too thrilled that the added responsibilities would leave even less time for my family), and accepted. In other words, I have the honor of being the last Editor ofMarketing Sciencewho was chosen by a set of kingmakers (albeit very distinguished kingmakers) in the equivalent of a dark, smoke-filled room! Since I was chosen, future Editors have all been selected by a committee following a set of sensible rules and regulations.