Enterprise evangelist

Proactive free-market statements are Johan Staël von Holstein’s way of forcing change in a country that he thinks has tragically stifled entrepreneurial energy

‘Shoot first and then draw a target’

Eckhard Cordes, the head of Germany’s Heniel group and Metro chain, says that he likes order but that chance also shaped his career

Gamesmaster makes a play for place in history

John Riccitiello’s meeting with movie executives revealed that this summer’s blockbuster movie, Iron Man, might be hit hard by the release of Grand Theft Auto IV, EA’s new video game

‘I had to meet with people who did not like us’

Lee Scott, the head of Wal-Mart, has turned it away from its inward-looking past by listening to its critics – and eaten his share of pumpkin pie on the way

In the fast lane to a new career track

Paul Drayson, UK Labour peer and former minister of defence procurement, left Whitehall to take up racing bio-ethanol cars – but a return to politics is possible

Newsman who breaks tradition

Guangzhou Daily Group’s chairman has surprising freedom in his role, one in which he mixes conservatism with commerce

De Beers chief seeks fresh settings

The managing director of the world’s largest diamond company has helped to reshape the business for the 21st century

An ear attuned to sounds of greatness

Tom Whalley, chief executive of Warner Brothers Records, is a staunch defender of the discipline of finding and polishing musical talent

Father of the feel-good factory

The lone ranger of boardroom battles

Fingers burnt in a hands-on operation