Tim Cook

There is no true preparation for replacing a legend, but thats what Tim Cook had to do three and a half years ago following the death of Steve Jobs. Cook has led Apple so strongly, including in some surprising directions, that he has earned the No. 1 spot on Fortunes list of the Worlds Greatest Leaders. Apples stock has hit all time highs, in Apple Pay and the Apple Watch the company has shown its continued appetite for innovation, and it is gradually becoming more open and outspoken, including on a variety of non corporate social issues. By announcing that he is gay, Cook also has done something few would have predicted: become a global role model.