2011 Winners
Person of the Year
Michael Woodford, MBE
former president and chief executive,
Drivers of Change
Amazon
Newcomer
Muddy Waters Research
Environment
Helveta
Emerging Markets
Samsung Electronics
Corporate Responsibility
Unilever
Entrepreneurship
Hyflux
2010 Winners
Person of the Year
Alan Mulally
"Alan Mulally is credited as the driving force behind the transformation of Ford Motor. Since taking over as chief executive in 2006, the former Boeing executive has overseen radical changes at the carmaker that helped save it from the state-sponsored bankruptcy that afflicted its rivals. He is a no-nonsense cost-cutter with a flair for design. By securing $23bn-worth of loans when he mortgaged most of Ford's assets, he secured its financial position ahead of the crash. This, along with a refocusing on core American brands, has returned Ford to profit in challenging times." - Lionel Barber
Drivers of Change
Apple
"The iPad introduced us to a new world of consumer computing. As with Apple's past blockbuster launches, it has left the competition floundering. But it has also shown by the success of its app store that it can harness third-party software development. It is no surprise that Apple has become the world's most highly valued technology company, surpassing Microsoft." - Terry Smith
Corporate Responsibility
Marks and Spencer
"Some companies paid lip service to sustainability in the boom times, but M&S held its nerve. It led the retail sector with Plan A, a set of 180 commitments to making it the world's most sustainable major retailer. Now it has already achieved 90 of these commitments. Boldness, not just in vision but also in execution." - Leo Johnson
Emerging Markets
MediaTek
"MediaTek has shown a world-class level of innovation since its foundation. In just 13 years it has grown to be the world's second-largest wireless chip company. Its ability to produce high-tech chips at low cost has made powerful handheld devices affordable for hundreds of millions of consumers in emerging economies." - Lakshmi Mittal
Entrepreneurship
Free
"Free has revolutionised the French telecoms market by winning the licence to become the country's fourth full-service mobile operator. Its success is a tribute to Xavier Niel, who has shown a capacity to innovate and anticipate the market expectations. Audacity and vision are key for entrepreneurs. Free is now being rewarded for its achievements." - Anne Méaux
Environment
Jain Irrigation Systems
"Jain Irrigation Systems has worked tirelessly to drive the growth of what is a simple, yet highly effective, technology. This means once-barren land can now be successfully cultivated, and fields that were already being farmed can deliver considerably higher yields. With more than 80 per cent of
Newcomer
Groupon
"Groupon has gone from start-up to global powerhouse in internet commerce in less than three years. From its beginning in
2009 Winners
Lifetime Achievement
Jamie Dimon
"In an extraordinarily difficult year for banking, Jamie Dimon stands out. In the past 12 months, Mr Dimon has reinforced his position as the "king of the street" through a series of transformational moves. He has integrated key acquisitions such as Bear Stearns, Washington Mutual and Cazenove, skewered the traditional reverence for investment banking and called for a more rounded career in banking. And in spite of popular outrage at bankers' remuneration, Mr Dimon has been an unapologetic and effective advocate of free markets and social responsibility." - Lionel Barber
Drivers of Change
Fiat
"It is too soon to know whether Fiat will successfully turn around Chrysler. The reason previous owner Daimler failed recalls Warren Buffet's saying about how, when a management team with a reputation for brilliance tackles one known for bad economics, it is the reputation of the business that usually remains intact. But there is no doubt about the need for consolidation in the motor industry, or the boldness of Fiat's move." - Terry Smith
Entrepreneur
Tullow Oil
"Few activities are more entrepreneurial than "wildcatting" - drilling for oil in areas not known to be productive. In 2009, Tullow made potentially lucrative discoveries in
Emerging Markets
Vale
"Roger Agnelli has been instrumental in turning a state-controlled company into the world's biggest producer of iron ore, while recently moving into copper, coal and fertilisers.
Corporate Responsibility
Standard Chartered
"Operating in some of the world's poorest nations, Standard Chartered contributes not only money but also expertise and enthusiasm in supporting educational and medical causes. It also partners with governments and non-governmental organisations - an approach that makes a real difference on the ground." - Dan Bogler
Environment
Suntech
"Developing environmentally neutral energy sources will be one of this century's great challenges. Yet many "green energy" ideas only partially solve the problem. Green electric devices, for instance, only have value if the electricity powering them comes from renewable sources. This is where Suntech comes in. It tackles the root of the problem." -Anne Méaux
Newcomer
Twitter
"A social media tool that allows users to interact with each other using less than 140 characters, Twitter has taken the world by storm in less than two years. Its global impact - and successful conversion from fad to potentially sustainable economic model - is reason to salute Twitter. We will watch with interest as it goes from newcomer to established leader in the social media space." - J Frank Brown
2008 Winners
Lifetime Achievement
Warren Buffett
"He is unique and a true legend. The way he has redefined investing has shaped not only his company but the financial markets as a whole. Especially in these difficult times, Warren Buffett stands out as someone always prepared to take the contrarian view and make tough decisions. He exemplifies boldness in business, hard work and dedication to investors." Lakshmi Mittal
Drivers of Change
Ryanair
"Changed the airline business outside
Corporate Responsibility
Selco India
"A unique social business model. This is a most exciting example of a company that has corporate and social responsibility at the heart of its mission." Julian Birkinshaw
Environment
Masdar
"This is a very impressive project. It embraces the most innovative technologies and I think this will change many things in the future." Anne Méaux
Entrepreneurship
Google
"Among the most profitable media companies in the world, it enjoys extraordinarily high margins and has been continuously innovative in how it evolves its business model." Luke Johnson
Emerging Markets
Huawei
"By growing a successful business in
Readers' Award
HCL Technologies
