
Age: 51
Desmond-Hellmann has presided over a remarkable era of cancer-fighting drugs at Genentech since ascending to management in 1999. Last year marked Genentech's tenth straight year of double-digit revenue growth, to $11.7 billion, while its stock climbed 15%. One wrinkle: Big shareholder Roche is attempting a takeover.
NEXT: Ginni Rometty
Last updated October 16 2008: 10:16 AM ET