Business: Ratan Tata

PAL PILLAI/AFP/Getty Images

Business: Ratan Tata

Age: 71
Chairman, Tata Group

Soft-spoken and media-shy, Ratan Tata is perhaps India's most admired business leader. A scion of the Tata family, he runs the Tata Group's interests in sectors as far apart as steel, telecom, autos, and mining. The group itself is seen as more ethical than some of its competitors and runs large institutions such as schools and hospitals. He has gained international prominence thanks to multibillion-dollar takeovers of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus and British-based automakers Jaguar and Land Rover. Last month he launched the Nano, a sub-$2500 car expected to create a new market segment.