Barron’s has just released its prestigious list of the Top CEOs of 2025, recognizing 26 executives who have reshaped their companies through visionary leadership and strategic execution. These CEOs span sectors including technology, finance, manufacturing, retail, and energy—uniting a common theme of transformative impact.

Full List of Barron’s Top CEOs and Why They Were Chosen

• Luis von Ahn (Duolingo): Leveraged AI and gamification to revolutionize language learning, increasing user engagement and investor returns fivefold.
• Kevin Hochman (Brinker International / Chili’s): Boosted sales with new menu strategies like the Big Smasher Burger, reviving the Chili’s brand.
• Darren Rebelez (Casey’s General Stores): Turned a convenience store chain into a pizza success story with strong promotional tactics.
• Jacek Olczak (Philip Morris Intl): Advanced a bold shift to smoke-free alternatives like IQOS, transforming the company’s identity and margins.
• Clifton Pemble (Garmin): Focused on niche consumer tech markets like marine and aviation, delivering returns that outpaced Apple.
• Scott Kirby (United Airlines): Elevated customer satisfaction and profitability with improved service, including onboard Wi-Fi and customer loyalty programs.
• Alex Karp (Palantir): Made Palantir a critical AI player in government and enterprise operations, with share value multiplying.
• Richard Fairbank (Capital One): Led Capital One to dominate in lending and cards, further boosted by the acquisition of Discover.
• Satya Nadella (Microsoft): Drove Microsoft’s growth into AI and cloud services, maintaining double-digit revenue growth.
• Jensen Huang (NVIDIA): Positioned NVIDIA as the global AI chip leader, with explosive growth in data-center revenue.
• Lisa Su (AMD): Led AMD’s push into the data-center chip market, gaining ground on major competitors like Intel.
• Mark Zuckerberg (Meta): Focused Meta’s strategy on AI and advertising, boosting platform relevance and revenue.
• Safra Catz (Oracle): Executed a successful transition to cloud services, revitalizing Oracle’s growth trajectory.
• Darren Woods (Exxon Mobil): Maintained profitability through efficient fossil-fuel operations while exploring cleaner technologies.
• Dave Ricks (Eli Lilly): Launched new diabetes medications like tirzepatide, positioning Eli Lilly as a pharma leader.
• Doug McMillon (Walmart): Expanded Walmart’s digital capabilities and fintech services, leading to increased profitability.
• Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan Chase): Guided the nation’s largest bank through volatile markets with strong performance and innovation.
• Larry Culp (GE Aerospace): Orchestrated a successful post-split realignment, leading GE Aerospace to increased orders and margin improvements.
• Greg Peters & Ted Sarandos (Netflix): Diversified Netflix’s offerings with ads, live events, and games, keeping it ahead of streaming competitors.
• Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway): Delivered legendary returns over decades, closing out his CEO tenure with steady long-term success.
• Ernie Herrman (TJX Companies): Achieved massive cash flow growth by fine-tuning off-price retail operations.
• Dave Regnery (Trane Technologies): Led innovation in climate control for data centers and industrial systems, increasing margins.
• Jennifer Rumsey (Cummins): Balanced profitability in engine sales with investments in hydrogen and electric power solutions.
• Marc Rowan (Apollo Global Management): Modeled a Buffett-like strategy by growing insurance assets and providing smart rescue financing.

Emerging Leadership Trends in 2025

This roster of CEOs reflects central themes driving modern leadership success:

• Pivots in core business models—like Philip Morris transitioning toward smokeless products.
• Hybrid growth + brand reinvention—from mass-market dining to niche tech devices.
• AI as a business spine—seen in Duolingo’s user growth and NVIDIA’s explosive gains.
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)—notably in Exxon and GE Aerospace advancements.
• Global adaptability amid crises—leaders who navigated inflation, logistics disruptions, and geopolitical tensions.

Why This List Matters

Barron’s rankings assess CEOs based on strategy, execution, societal impact, and resilience in tough markets—not just stock performance. Being featured signals that a CEO has elevated their company’s long-term competitive positioning, even if broad-market comparisons sometimes show modest gains.

Conclusion: Leadership in the Age of Disruption

The Top CEOs of 2025 profile executives who excel across transformation, innovation, and strategic vision. From consumer product leaders to AI pioneers to financial stewards, they exemplify the leadership needed to thrive in a volatile global environment. Their examples offer valuable lessons for companies and future leaders aiming to navigate a rapidly evolving business landscape.