1. Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway)
If Warren is considered as the greatest investor of all time, there are solid reasons for this. Buffet intelligently built up Berkshire Hathaway’s cash reserves and turned down ‘attractive’ bailout offers from distressed firms during the economic crisis. Berkshire had $27.9 billion in cash at the end of 2008.
2. Steve Jobs (Apple Inc)
The creative and iconic CEO is responsible for remarkable innovation in technology and for boosting the market share of Apple. Steve Jobs has led Apple through thick and thin. He supervised the launch iPods and iPhones and now Apple is witnessing a growth story which few other CEOs have managed to bring in.
3. Jeff Bezos (Amazon Inc)
In spite of the miserable economy, Amazon has managed to maintain profits throughout the year and this can be attributed to Bezos leadership. Kindle, Amazon’s book reader itself experienced huge sales during Christmas and was in the media for a long time.
4. Indira Nooyi (Pepsi Co)
The only woman CEO on this list, Ms. Nooyi has charmed her male counterparts using her matchless leadership skills. Ms. Nooyi had initiated insistent cost-cutting measures which helped other arms of Pepsi to run smoothly. Her cool temperament despite recession and sliding sales makes her an excellent executive.
5. Raj Gupta (Rohm and Haas Co)
Mr. Gupta of Rohm and Haas has made to this list because the company was the best-performing U.S. stock of 2008. Mr. Gupta deserves to be applauded for his 10 year long loyalty. Some say that Mr. Gupta “inherited a conservative, family-controlled company, modernized it, put in a lot of technology and made it effective.”
Well known for its comfortable ride, and spacious interiors, the Camry has been the best-selling car in the US for over 7 years. Internationally also it is one of Toyota’s flagship brands. It has a low entry price, and has long-term dependability, and among midsize cars it rules the roost.
Among affordable small cars, the Honda Fit is a clear winner. It does cost more than the other small cars, but it has great fuel efficiency, and a variable interior, thereby accommodating either cargo or passengers easily.
Frequently ranked as the best compact car, the Elantra has a low base price, and good value over time. It has a comfortable interior and numerous safety features and a strong warranty.
The best midsize crossover, the Highlander boasts of functional interiors, a family friendly car, and an affordable price. The new four cylinder option saves on fuel, and the seven air bags are a welcome additional safety feature.
Normally in a luxury car we do not seek value for money, but the Lexus RX is definitely one of the largest selling SUV’s in its section due to its good value. Luxurious interiors, a fabulous reputation for delivering quality and value, and powerful performance are its hallmarks.
Estimated 46 mpg – The most popular hybrid of the lot, it has a great hatchback body and a Buck Rogers interior. Practical and roomy, it offers a lot of amenities and enough space for a family of five. Only slightly higher in price than a mid-size sedan, it offers the best fuel economy of all vehicles.
Estimated 42 mpg – This hybrid combines Honda Civic’s style and functionality with amazing fuel economy. Priced fairly higher than a normal Civic, it is a normal 5 seat sedan with electric motors, combined with much needed savings on gasoline.
Eestimated 36 mpg – A rear-engine two-seater car, Smart fortwo is an inexpensive car, small enough for two and even comes in a convertible model. A great way to save fuel and money. Fortwo is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the two-seater class.
Estimated 30 mpg (manual), 29 mpg (automatic) – A mid-size sedan, it is more sportier than most hybrids, and yet has the heart of a big car. Among mid-size cars it is the best option for those who are looking to save fuel, and yet have a car large enough for a small family.
Estimated 34 mpg – Camry lovers will love this new version, cause it combines the beauty and styling of the original Camry with fuel economy and money saving. It has a larger engine than the Prius , ordinary tires and a familiar shape. But it gives 35% more on a gallon of gas.
A close rival of Dawn of War 2, the developers of StarCraft 2 believe it to be the “ultimate competitive real-time strategy game.” This sequel will have three original races inspite of the fact that Terran: Wings of Liberty, Zerg: Heart of the Swarm, and Protoss: Legacy of the Void will be launched discretely.
A part of the most gripping and realistic war-time FPS PC games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will ensure that PC gamers employ more computer controls. Infinity Ward’s team has promised a an improvement from the previous version and we can’t wait!
Aliens: Colonial Marines is set after the events of Alien 3 and will mark no HUD to ensure that gamers use their presence of mind rather than computer aided gaming. Interestingly, the game has ‘quick time events’ which will happen when a player faces a one-on-one situation with an alien.
After some initial post-production hiccups, Operation Flashpoint 2 is at last set for release. Sequel to the globally popular Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis, this one is mature and emphases extreme authenticity. It will be exciting to match it against Modern Warfare 2.
The American International Group, Inc., or simply AIG, is the world giant in the international insurance and financial service industry. It is the world leader in the international insurance business with strong presence in over 130 countries and financial jurisdictions. This Global Giant exerts immense influence on world economy that its collapse can also bring down major economies of the world.
AXA Group takes second spot in our list and lands at 15th spot for the list of the largest companies worldwide. AXA, through it major affiliates and subsidiaries which are recognized major players in five business segments. These are in the business segments of Savings and Life, banking segment, Property Management, global insurance and Property-Casualty segment.
Allianze Worldwide is recognized as the second biggest financial service oriented company globally. Its base of international insurance and financial operations is in Munich, Germany.
Manulife Financial and its major subsidiaries is the 4th biggest insurance company based on market value. Manulife Financial specializes on asset management and financial protection services. It also has stakes in the Oil and Gas industry sector.
The Generali Group specializes in property management and financial protection services. It is one of Europe’s leading insurance companies with operations in over 40 countries and major financial jurisdictions.
BBDO Worldwide is one of the major three networks under the umbrella of Omnicom. BBDO Worldwide has long been recognized as the most prestigious advertising network globally. Its estimated total revenues for 2008 amount to $2.0B.
DDB is one of the triumvirate networks under the portfolio of Omnicom. It maintains a lower profile compared to the other two networks that form the triumvirate network of Omnicom. Its estimated revenues for 2008 are at $1.5 B.
TBWA Worldwide completes the triumvirate of networks under the Omnicom advertising group. It is more on the non-traditional lines and usually dabbles on the “quirky” side of the business. Its total revenues for 2008 are estimated to have reached $1.4 B.
Euro RSCG Worldwide is one of the two major advertising agencies in France. Its global reach covers about 75 countries. After growing through some organizational challenges, Euro RSCG Worldwide returned to the global scene under a new management group and immediately earned recognition in major publication in the UK and the US. Its estimated 2008 revenues are placed at $1.2 B.
