CEO, Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, Calif.

Hurd has a simple formula for success: squeeze costs and improve efficiency while delivering innovation that customers want. HP has pulled out of businesses where the company isn’t the No. 1 or No. 2 player, including high-definition TVs. Hurd also has made bold bets, such as a $14 billion purchase of tech outsourcing company Electronic Data Systems. Wise move, as analysts expect businesses to outsource more of their IT business this year. “I’m confident in HP’s ability to gain share,” Hurd says. “Our intention is to get through this period without losing any muscle in this organization.”