(FORTUNE Magazine) – It's beginning to look as though Jack Welch may never retire. The GE CEO, who was appointed a month after Ronald Reagan's election, announced that he would stay until the end of next year to oversee the company's proposed acquisition of Honeywell. Welch's long tenure at GE got us thinking: Who else has been in power as long? --Alynda Wheat

Fidel Castro Cuban leader He has been in power since 1959, the year before Welch joined GE.

Muammar al-Qaddafi Libyan leader Qaddafi has been the head of the country since 1969.

Elizabeth II Queen of England Crowned in 1953, she turned 60 in 1986, the year Welch bought NBC.

Aretha Franklin Queen of Soul Aretha picked up her 11th Grammy in 1981, when Welch became chairman.

Chuck Knight Chairman, Emerson He became chairman in 1974, two years after Welch made vice president.

Strom Thurmond Senator, South Carolina The 97-year-old was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1954.

Mick Jagger King of Rock The Stones' album Tattoo You reached No. 1 as Welch made chairman.