No matter the industry, the buck always stops at the desk of the chief executive officer. Tasked with making vital decisions as they relate to every facet of running a business – from production to marketing to human resources, to name a few – the CEO must possess a multitude of qualities that define a captain of industry.

The nominees listed on the following pages in alphabetical order have all been acknowledged by peers and colleagues fortheir intuition, resilience and their ability to lead. Time and time again, they deploy these qualities and numerous others to inspire their employees, connect with consumers and push their companies to achieve ever loftier goals.

It's not a role for everyone, but the ones who embrace it and can deliver year after year deserve special recognition – just like the ones here.