Zoe Cruz is the 'Cruz Missile'

Best nickname of the year.

Zoe Cruz (above and below) was recently appointed co–president (there's a dopey title) of Morgan Stanley after Philip J. Purcell "decided to step down as chief executive of Morgan Stanley last week," as Landon Thomas Jr. wrote in his New York Times story this past Monday about the current days and nights of the long knives at Morgan.

Purcell stepped down the same way a batter "chooses" to duck when a Randy Johnson fastball comes right at his head. But I digress.

Long story short: Purcell didn't jump — he was pushed. Hard.

Ms. Cruz, 50, is a 24–year employee of Morgan Stanley who ran its fixed–income division from 2000 to 2005.

The Financial Times wrote of her last week that she is "known as the 'Cruz Missile' because of her ability to home in on her target and pursue it unswervingly."

So great.

She only looks innocent.

Thomas's story said that Ms. Cruz told managing directors in London two weeks ago that "the board had better not propose a candidate less qualified than her."

Oh, mama — better not cross her.

"If Ms. Cruz ascended to the top, she would be the first woman to guide a major Wall Street firm," Thomas wrote.

I wonder if she's put in a call yet to Carly Fiorina, who might have a few pointers to offer on how to make the final ascent without getting thrown off the face by unexpected bad weather near the top.

Goodness knows Carly's got plenty of spare time these days.