(FORTUNE Magazine) – Amy Butte, 36

EVP and CFO, New York Stock Exchange

A well-regarded former equities analyst, Butte was handpicked by CEO John Thain earlier this year to play a central role in ushering in a new era of accountability at the Big Board.

Renetta McCann, 47

CEO, Americas, Starcom MediaVest Group, Publicis Groupe

McCann's division places about 16% of all advertising dollars spent in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Some say she'll eventually run all of Starcom.

Mary McDowell, 40

SVP; General Manager, Enterprise Solutions, Nokia

After leaving her strategy job at HP late last year, McDowell now oversees Nokia's new products, like wireless phones that double as computers--a centerpiece of the company's growth strategy.

Beth Seidenberg, 47

SVP, Development, Amgen

Chief medical officer at the world's largest biotech, Seidenberg oversees the testing and clinical trials that bring new drugs to market. She pushed 22 new products or applications through the pipeline to regulatory approval worldwide last year.

Lori Queen, 48

Vehicle line executive for small cars, GM

Tapped three years ago to turn around the automaker's money-losing small-car segment, the former chief engineer has slashed two years off the normal production schedule for two new models, including the sexy Pontiac Solstice.