15. Jim Queen
GM group VP global engineering
Rationalizing now is more important than ever
2008 Rank: 44
Why he's relevant: Queen has led GM's charge to "rationalize" its factories, to make sure that, say, an Epsilon plant in Europe could build a Chevy Malibu, and one in the U.S. could build an Opel Insignia.
Why that's relevant: Like "One Ford," it's GM's way of streamlining business. Cutting structural costs is a huge plank in the rescue plan presented to Congress.
His future: If GM is granted loan guarantees, Queen will be more important than ever in helping lead the automaker's return to profitability.
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