Businessperson of the Year

2010 stock performance rank: 3

The Burberry plaid has proved remarkably recession-resistant. Four years ago native Hoosier Ahrendts took over the conservative garment maker and transformed it into a trendy, technologically attuned fashion juggernaut. After adroitly navigating the economic downturn -- slashing jobs and expenses but leaving her chief designers and prices unfettered -- she pushed this year into Asia, acquiring 50 stores in 30 cities. Investors have noticed: Burberry's stock jumped 68% this year, the best performer on the FTSE 100.

--P.N.

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