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Kings Of The Jungle
March 28, 2009
Kings Of The Jungle
- Andrew Bary, Barron's , March 23, 2009
Frankly, we had some concerns about drawing up our annual list of the 30 Most Respected CEOs. In a year of devastating losses, plunging stock prices and endless scandal, could we really find 30 CEOs worthy of great respect? To our surprise, there were actually many more -- leaders who are not only weathering the tumult relatively unscathed but positioning their companies to thrive when conditions finally improve.
-- A group of Barron's editors winnowed the field to 30, after speaking with investors, analysts, executives and others.
-- The final list is made up of chief executive officers from around the world who are doing outstanding jobs of keeping their companies out of trouble and on course. That means conservative financial management, a strong focus on the customer and relentless innovation.
Hugh Grant
Monsanto, CEO since '03
Why: Charting the future of food.
The world has more than six billion mouths to feed, and that number could rise to nine billion by 2050. As the leading global producer of genetically modified seed for corn, soybeans and other crops, Monsanto is determined to increase agricultural productivity to meet the growing demand. That is quite a challenge, because there is little new farmland created each year.
From a 2000 base, Monsanto's goal is to double yields on corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030.
It already has accomplished a lot under Grant, a low-profile Scotsman who joined the company in 1981. It has also set a goal to more than double its 2007 profit by 2012, and recently became one of a few companies to raise earnings guidance for its current fiscal year. Its market value stands at $45 billion, more than double that of its nearest seed competitor, chemical giant DuPont.
Some rail about dangerous "Frankenfood," but the world needs more food, and Monsanto's strategy looks like the best way to produce it. Grant could be the ultimate green CEO.
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