predecessor
/ˈpri:dɪsesə(r); ?@ ˈpredə-; ˌprɛdɪ`sɛsɚ/ n
1 person who held an office or position before sb else （职务或职位的）前任者
The decision was made by my predecessor. 那一决定是我的前任作出的.
2 thing that has been followed or replaced by sth else 被接继或被取代的事物
Will the new plan be any more acceptable than its predecessors? 新计画比原先的计画更能令人满意吗? Cf 参看 successor.