Josef Ackermann

Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg

Josef Ackermann

CEO, Deutsche Bank
Germany

As head of one of Europe's largest banks—and one that weathered the financial crisis better than most—Josef Ackermann has positioned Deutsche Bank (DB) to take full advantage of the rebounding global economy. That hasn't stopped him from cautioning that the recovery is still "very fragile" and speaking out against the global push for greater financial regulation. At a Davos panel session, Ackermann said U.S. President Barack Obama's plan to limit bank activity could increase costs for the global financial-services industry, which would be passed on to consumers.