Henrik Fisker

Jonathan Alcorn/Bloomberg

Henrik Fisker

A designer's designer, Fisker secured a devoted following when he created the 2000 BMW Z8 roadster. In 2007 he co-founded Fisker Automotive, and in 2009 the Obama Administration loaned the company $528.7 million to bring to market plug-in hybrid vehicles. Fisker, 46, recently announced a further $115.3 million in private equity funding that will go toward developing the $87,900 Fisker Karma, the company's luxury hybrid electric vehicle. Focused on the combination of high-end design and engineering, Fisker's entrepreneurial approach provides a bright spot in a beleaguered industry.