- Time100, an annual list curated by Time Magazine, identifies and honors the 100 most influential individuals globally across diverse domains, including several prominent figures from the tech sector.
- Tech figures like Jensen Huang from NVIDIA, Satya Nadella from Microsoft, Wang Chuanfu from BYD, Larry Ellison from Oracle, Julie Sweet from Accenture, Mark Cuban, and Thasunda Brown Duckett from TIAA are acknowledged for their influential contributions and leadership within the technology sector.
Time100, an esteemed annual compilation by Time Magazine, selects and celebrates the 100 most influential individuals worldwide across various fields.
Among the distinguished honorees on the list are several notable figures from the tech industry, individuals whose innovative contributions have reshaped modern living, work environments, and digital connectivity.
Let’s take a look at them.
Jensen Huang
Jensen Huang is a technology and entrepreneurship figure for his visionary leadership at NVIDIA. As co-founder and CEO, he has led the company to the forefront of graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, shaping the semiconductor industry through decades of innovation.
Under Huang’s leadership, NVIDIA has risen to prominence in the semiconductor industry. NVIDIA’s GPUs find widespread application across diverse sectors, including gaming, professional visualisation, data centres, and autonomous vehicles.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s founder, chairman, and CEO, remarked, “I’ve always admired leaders who possess the grit and determination to persevere with their vision over extended periods. Jensen Huang unequivocally leads the tech industry in this respect.”
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO since 2014, is credited with guiding the company through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Microsoft’s market value has more than tripled.
Additionally, Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform has experienced substantial growth, with revenue more than doubling in recent years to achieve an annual run rate of over $50 billion. Azure has emerged as the second-largest global cloud services provider, capturing a significant market share.
Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments asserts, “Microsoft’s significant investment in OpenAI and partnership with Mistral AI positions him at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution. A technologist with heart, Satya sees AI as a tool that will empower humans.”
Wang Chuanfu
Wang Chuanfu, a Chinese entrepreneur, is the visionary behind Build Your Dream (BYD), a global manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) and rechargeable batteries.
Wang Chuanfu established BYD in 1995, initially as a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries. Under his leadership, BYD has grown into one of the world’s largest producers of EVs and a key player in the renewable energy sector.
Herbert Diess, the chairman of the supervisory board at Infineon Technologies and former CEO of Volkswagen, offers high praise for Wang Chuanfu, stating: “Long before others in the automotive industry were waking up to it, Wang was convinced that electrification was the game to play. His journey hasn’t been easy, but through his long-term and consistent approach, commitment to cost management, and perseverance, BYD, which stands for ‘Build Your Dreams,’ has become a leader in the sector, rivaling Tesla and helping make China the top auto exporter last year.”
Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison is an American entrepreneur and the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer (CTO) of Oracle, a multinational computer technology corporation specialising in database software and technology.
Ellison co-founded Oracle back in 1977, and his leadership has been crucial in turning it into one of the biggest software companies globally. Oracle expanded its range of products to include various database options, business software, and cloud services. His strategy of acquiring other companies has been a key factor in Oracle’s growth, allowing it to offer more to customers and stay competitive in the market.
Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, shares his perspective on Larry Ellison’s journey, noting: “Larry Ellison’s development of Oracle, beginning in 1977, was filled with bold risks that many doubted he would succeed in. However, decades later, Oracle stands as the guardian of a significant portion of the world’s data.”
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Julie Sweet
Julie Sweet is widely recognised as the CEO of Accenture, a position she has held since September 2019. Accenture, a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing services, operates in more than 120 countries and serves clients across various industries.
Under Julie Sweet’s leadership, Accenture has expanded its capabilities in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and data analytics. The company has also invested in digital transformation initiatives to assist clients in adapting to the rapidly evolving business landscape.
Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, states, “In an era when technology and leadership intertwine to shape futures, Julie Sweet stands out for her clear vision and pragmatic insights on technology’s role in society. The Accenture CEO has steered one of the world’s leading consulting and technology-services firms through the complexities of digital transformation, championing sustainability and inclusivity alongside growth.”
Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban is a well-known entrepreneur, investor, and television personality. He founded Broadcast.com in 1995, revolutionising online broadcasting by enabling the live streaming of audio and video content over the internet.
It swiftly rose to prominence as one of the pioneering platforms in this domain. Its groundbreaking work led to its acquisition by Yahoo! in 1999 for a monumental $5.7 billion.
Ashton Kutcher, an actor, producer, and entrepreneur, speaks highly of Mark Cuban, stating, “Mark Cuban is a true visionary, changemaker, and friend. He has demonstrated bold entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the rise of streaming media and continues to leave an indelible mark on the world.”
Thasunda Brown Duckett
Thasunda Brown Duckett is a highly esteemed business executive and CEO, boasting a distinguished career that spans various sectors, notably finance and banking. She currently holds the position of President and CEO at the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA).
With a comprehensive suite of retirement, investment, and insurance solutions tailored specifically for its diverse clientele, TIAA has garnered a reputation as a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of financial planning and management.
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, praises Thasunda Brown Duckett, stating, “Thasunda Brown Duckett is a longtime friend and was a great partner to me for over 10 years at JPMorgan Chase before taking on her leadership role at TIAA. She is truly grounded in her purpose of helping those who need it most—driving real change within her organisations and broader communities.
