One thing we’ll readily admit: This isn’t an exhaustive list. You won’t find Bob Ulrich (Target), Brad Anderson (Best Buy), Steve Sanger (General Mills), William McGuire (UnitedHealth Group), or Douglas Steenland (Northwest Airlines) here, although they and their companies will undoubtedly be in the spotlight this year. Nor will you find the new CEO of 3M Company, who hasn’t been named yet as we go to press.

Instead, TCBM has put together a mix of newcomers to the local business scene who warrant attention. Some are new leaders at established companies, others lead firms that are newish or raising their profiles. We think you’ll be seeing more of them.


Alison Davis-Blake

Alison Davis-Blake

Dean, Carlson School of Management

Chris Killingstad

Chris Killingstad

CEO, Tennant Company

Doug Bonestroo

Doug Bonestroo

CEO, RemotePipes

Harry Debes

Harry Debes

CEO and President, Lawson Software

James Cracchiolo

James Cracchiolo

CEO, Ameriprise Financial

Jamie Retterath

CEO, Facet Technology

John Barrow

John Barrow

President and Chairman, Coolibar

John Taft

John Taft

CEO, RBC Dain Rauscher

Martin Emerson

Martin Emerson

CEO and President, American Medical Systems Holdings

Mary Jeffries

Mary Jeffries

COO, Petters Group Worldwide

Michael Dale

Michael Dale

CEO, President, and Chairman, ATS Medical

Michael Gorman, Jim Simons, and Dave Stassen

Michael Gorman, Jim Simons, and Dave Stassen

Managing Directors, Split Rock Partners

Michael Howe

Michael Howe

CEO, MinuteClinic

Richard Kelly

Richard Kelly

CEO and President, Xcel Energy

Robert Weber

Robert Weber

Cofounder and CEO, Freeze.com

Tom Kieffer

Tom Kieffer

Chairman, Virteva

Zygmunt Wilf

Zygmunt Wilf

Principal Owner, Minnesota Vikings