New CEOs We’d Bet On

Ternus knows Apple’s hardware organization and arrives with permission to change the company’s rhythm. He must preserve execution without treating continuity as the entire strategy.

Abel spent years running Berkshire’s operating businesses before becoming chief executive. He is an internal successor rather than a temporary keeper of Buffett’s chair.

Erginbilgiç imposed direct operating targets, improved pricing and repaired cash flow at Rolls-Royce. The turnaround was fast enough to make the next investment phase credible.

Niccol has a strong restaurant record and a mandate to simplify Starbucks stores. The challenge is restoring warmth and speed without damaging either.

Tan combines semiconductor knowledge with investment and operating experience. Intel needs technical credibility because another financial restructuring cannot repair weak products.

Espinosa rose through product planning and understands Nissan’s vehicles. He now has to protect that base while making painful capacity and cost reductions.

Andersen brings decades of insurance and risk experience as AIG prepares for another leadership chapter. The company needs disciplined underwriting more than dramatic reinvention.

De Meo brings experience reviving car brands to a luxury group that needs harder portfolio and distribution choices. Gucci will test whether those instincts transfer.

Hill’s long Nike career gives him detailed knowledge of the brand, retailers and internal culture. That memory matters only if it produces better products quickly.

Ortberg’s engineering background fits a company where production quality is the strategy. His success must be measured in safe aircraft and stable factories.