Fujio Mitarai Chairman and CEO, Canon Inc.

A native of Kyushu, Japan, Fujio Mitarai decided not to follow his father and brothers into medical school, but instead joined Canon where his uncle served as the first President. Five years later he was posted to Canon’s U.S. headquarters. He stayed for 23 years, eventually becoming President of Canon U.S.A. Back in Japan, he was later appointed President of Canon Inc. before becoming Chairman and CEO.