William Connor II

Father worked as business adviser to General Douglas MacArthur in Japan after WWII; saw opportunity in region. Founded logistics company William E. Connor & Associates in Tokyo 1949. Chip: Stanford grad got M.B.A. from U. of Southern California, law degree from U.C. Santa Clara. Took over in 1980s; moved headquarters to Hong Kong. Firm now employs 1,400; 35 offices in 20 countries. Operates supply chain linking production to salesroom; helps clients cut out middleman. Specializes in apparel and home goods. Clients: Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom.