The Top 10 Business Leaders to Watch in 2021 According to Business Leadership Magazine
2021 has been a year of significant global challenges and paradigm shifts. As we move ahead, leaders across industries must navigate unprecedented situations and steer their organizations towards success. Business Leadership Magazine, one of the most leading publications in the business world, has compiled a list of the Top 10 Business Leaders to Watch in 2021. Let’s take a closer look at who they are and why they made the top 10 in this exclusive list.
1. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft in 2014 when the company was at a low point. Since then, he has turned Microsoft’s fortunes around by focusing on cloud computing and AI. Under his leadership, Microsoft has become one of the most valuable companies globally, with a market cap of over $2 trillion. His empathetic leadership style has helped him navigate challenging issues like the COVID-19 pandemic with minimal disruptions. Nadella is undoubtedly a business leader to watch in 2021.
2. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (GM)
Mary Barra is the first-ever woman CEO of a major auto company. She has diversified GM’s product offerings by investing in electric vehicles and self-driving technology. In 2021, GM has committed to launching 30 new electric vehicle models globally by 2025. Barra has been instrumental in guiding GM through the pandemic, despite its factory shutdowns and supply chain disruptions. Her strategic vision and bold leadership make her one of the top business leaders to watch in 2021.
3. Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever
Alan Jope took over as CEO of Unilever in 2019, where he has been making an effort to achieve company-wide sustainability goals. Under his leadership, Unilever has prioritized sustainable products, packaging, and supply chains. Unilever’s sustainability commitments have resonated with consumers around the world and propelled the company to profitability. Jope’s leadership style of balancing environmental and social commitments while driving business growth makes him a force to watch in 2021.
4. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Jamie Dimon has been at the helm of JPMorgan Chase & Co., the largest bank in the US, since 2005. Under his leadership, JPMorgan Chase has continued to be one of the most profitable banks, even during turbulent times like the 2008 financial crisis. During the pandemic, JPMorgan Chase continued to be profitable despite loan provisions. Dimon’s experience in navigating financial market cycles and relationships with key stakeholders make him a business leader to watch in 2021.
5. Ginni Rometty, Executive Chairman of IBM
Ginni Rometty retired as CEO of IBM in 2020 but remains the Executive Chairman. Rometty’s tenure as CEO saw IBM pivot towards a cloud and AI future, guiding it through acquisitions like Red Hat and divestments like the spinning off of its managed infrastructure services unit. Under her stewardship, IBM’s strategic transformation, and shift to a more agile and innovation-driven culture make her one of the top business leaders to watch in 2021.
6. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
Elon Musk needs no introduction. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, he has disrupted and transformed entire industries. In 2020, despite COVID-19-related disruptions, Tesla’s market cap eclipsed that of every other car company combined, that too in just 17 years of the company’s existence. Musk’s groundbreaking leadership, focus on innovation, and ambitious visions make him one of the most exciting business leaders to watch in 2021.
7. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH
Bernard Arnault is the CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, which houses brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Fendi. Under his leadership, LVMH has been expanding into emerging markets like China and investing in brand building. Even in the pandemic, LVMH remained resilient, with increasing sales propelled by online shopping. Arnault’s long-term vision for LVMH, coupled with his strategic acumen, make him a business leader to watch in 2021.
8. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook
Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. Under her management, Facebook has continued to grow its user base and revenue, even amid controversies like the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Sandberg is also a vocal advocate for gender equality and was instrumental in launching the Lean In movement. Her expertise in technology and communication, combined with a strong commitment to social responsibility make her one of the top business leaders to watch in 2021.
9. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc.
Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple Inc. and has been at the helm since 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple has made significant strides in expanding its product portfolio, with the Apple Watch and Airpods being major reliable generators. In 2020, Apple became the world’s first $2 trillion company. Cook’s leadership of strategic innovation, supply chain resilience, and corporate responsibility make him one of the top business leaders to watch in 2021.
10. Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM
Arvind Krishna became CEO of IBM in April 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. In his first year, he has outlined IBM’s vision to become a cloud platform and AI company. This strategic shift in IBM’s focus beyond its traditional hardware and services businesses was marked by the company’s announcement of the $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat. Krishna has been instrumental in driving IBM’s strategic transformation while creating platforms to tackle social and environmental challenges, making him a business leader to watch in 2021.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Business Leaders to Watch in 2021 according to Business Leadership Magazine are a diverse group of individuals who have transformed organizations through building sustainable business models, driving innovation, and demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities. As we navigate an uncertain future, these leaders’ strategic visions and bold leadership qualities offer assurance that their organizations will thrive. This list encompasses individuals that every business leader should watch as they inspire, lead and demonstrate the future of the business landscape.
