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John S. Watson, 52

John S. Watson, 52

Chevron
Vice-Chairman

Recently promoted to vice-chairman of Chevron (CVX), Watson has experience in nearly every part of the company. Recruited out of the University of Chicago Business School in 1980, he has tackled jobs that typically go to engineers, such as running refineries and international oil exploration efforts. “Numbers tell only part of the story,” Watson says. “People get things done.” These days, he spends much of his time on the road trying to sell foreign governments on Chevron's expertise and to motivate his people. “Tough times can test you,” he says. And the push to green? “The world needs all forms of energy.”

--by Chris Palmeri