The most qualified person gets the promotion. From my viewpoint, typically promotions are looked for internally, although external calls do go out.
No clue how promotions were given, as the only ones I saw promoted were those riding the coattails of senior management.
Help answer questions real people are asking about your company. Your answers will be 100% anonymous.
The person asking the question will be notified of your answer, and it will be posted publicly. Your identity will be kept private