Sebastián Piñera Echenique

The founder of Chile's LAN airlines, Pinera was elected president of Chile in January 2010 and took office in March, just days after a deadly earthquake struck, killing 500 and causing $30 billion in damages. Yet he oversaw an economy that grew 5.2% last year. Pinera, a conservative, plans bold reforms in 2011 including overhauling education and healthcare. His approval ratings dipped below 50% after the trapped Chilean miners were rescued and have stayed below 50%. Since taking office he fulfilled a campaign pledge to divest his holdings, selling his 26% stake in LAN Airlines for $1.5 billion, the TV channel Chilevision to Time Warner for a reported $150 million, and his stake in Blanco y Negro, owners of Chile's most popular football team.