Nooyi, Narayen among US's 25 Top Gun CEOs

The times have been rather tough for the corporate world with the economic recession hitting all industry sectors. Yet, amidst all the gloom some chief executive officers managed to help their companies tide over the crisis and remain profitable.

Two India-born CEOs -- Indra Nooyi and Shantanu Narayen -- have been named among America's 25 Top Gun CEOs for their outstanding role in turning around the fortunes of their companies during a recession.

Steve Jobs, chief executive officer, Apple, also figures in the list despite his illness, for being the driving force behind the company's innovative products.

Forbes magazine has published a list of 25 such Top Gun CEOs based on a report by Brendan Wood International, an advisory agency. The CEOs have been ranked on their ability to make smart acquisitions, expand the company's value propositions and make the business profitable.

Here's a look at some of America's Top Gun CEOs...

Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe Systems, is ranked 16th in the Forbes list of 25 Top Gun CEOs in the United States.  The report says Shantanu Narayen, backed with vast experience, knows how to position the company in the industry.

Narayen heads Adobe, which is one of the world's largest and most diversified software companies. His leadership, technology insight and operational expertise have helped the company into new markets, and extended its product portfolio and global reach. 

In 2005, Narayen co-led the $3.4-billion acquisition of Macromedia, expanding Adobe's software platform and solutions, and strengthening the company's presence in key markets.

Indra Nooyi, CEO, PepsiCo, was ranked at No. 17 in the list published by Forbes.  The report says that Nooyi knows how to run the business in good times and in bad, and is a great manager. Nooyi has been lauded for her long-term strategic vision for PepsiCo and the acquisitions that have helped the company, the magazine said.

She has been involved with PepsiCo's restructuring, splitting of restaurants into YUM! Brands, the acquisition of Tropicana and the merger with Quaker Oats. PepsiCo had annual sales of $43.25 billion in 2008, up from $39.47 billion the previous year.

Nooyi was ranked third in the Forbes' World's 100 Most Powerful Women last year.

Find out who are the top 10 among the Top Gun CEOs...

1. Gary C. Butler

Ranked at No.1 is Gary C. Butler, CEO and president of Automatic Data Processing. He has been on the board of directors of CIT Group Inc since February 2004. He is strong at strategic planning and overall execution, says the report.

Automatic Data Processing Inc, with nearly $9 billion in revenues and over 585,000 clients, is one of the world's largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. ADP also featured in BusinessWeek's list of the Hottest Tech Companies of 2009.

2. Nicholas D. Chabraja

Next on the list is Nicholas D. Chabraja, who has been the chairman and chief executive officer of General Dynamics since June 1997.

The reports says he is a consistent performer who is committed to shareholders and has done a great job, especially at the time when the aerospace and defence sector have been experiencing a severe crisis. General Dynamics has four business groups: aerospace, combat, marine and information technology systems.

6. Richard Clark

Richard Clark, CEO of Brookfield Properties, is ranked third on the list. The report calls him a top CEO for great acquisitions, a focussed strategy and his ability to attract good people.

He has been the president and CEO of US operations from 2000-2002. Brookfield Properties is a commercial real estate corporation that owns, develops, and operates premier assets in North American cities.

4. Ian M. Cook

Ian M. Cook, chairman of Colgate-Palmolive joined the company in the United Kingdom in 1976. The report which ranks Cook at the fourth position says that he played the key role behind the best brands and operating efficiency.

He became chief operating officer in 2004. In 2005, Cook was promoted as president and COO, responsible for all Colgate operations worldwide and was appointed the president and chief executive officer in 2007.

The company has a 200-year history with global brands like Colgate, Mennen, Palmolive, Ajax, Softsoap and Hill's Pet Nutrition sold in over 200 countries.

5. James Dimon

James Dimon is the fifth in the list of 25 Top Gun CEOs. He became chairman of the board of JPMorgan Chase, in 2006. He has been CEO and president of JPMorgan Chase since December 31, 2005. The report gives him the credit of a good risk management with a mix of former Bank One employees and JPMorgan staff.

He had been president and COO since JPMorgan Chase 's merger with Bank One Corporation in July 2004. At Bank One he had been chairman and CEO since March 2000. Dimon also featured in Time magazine's 2006 and 2009 lists of the world's 100 most influential people.

6. David N. Farr

David N. Farr, ranked sixth in the list is described as conservative, tough, and driven with passion to deliver.  Farr is chairman, CEO and president of Emerson (formerly Emerson Electric) since October 2000 and is only the third CEO of the company in more than 55 years. 

He was named chairman in September 2004 and president in November 2005. Under Farr's leadership, Emerson has grown its position in global markets, increased its focus on customer-oriented services and solutions, and invested in industry-leading technologies to enhance its long-term growth and market position.

In 2008 and 2009, he was ranked among 'The Best CEOs in America' and the top CEO in the electrical equipment and multi-industry category by Institutional Investor magazine. Farr joined Emerson in 1981 in a corporate staff position.

7. Andrew Gould

Calling Andrew Gould a 'visionary who turned the company around', Forbes ranks him at the seventh position.

Andrew Gould is chairman and chief executive officer of Schlumberger Limited, the world's leading oilfield services company, supplying technology, information solutions for customers working in the oil and gas industry.Gould started his career at Schlumberger in 1975 in the company's internal audit department in Paris.

8. Hugh Grant

Ranked at No.8, Hugh Grant has delivered on all the promises he made, says Forbes. As chairman of agricultural company Monsanto, Grant is supervises its businesses across the globe.  

Hugh's strong operational background, coupled with his keen knowledge of the business and his ability to earn the trust of a wide range of stakeholders in challenging situations, made him the board's choice to lead Monsanto going forward, the company board said when he was appointed as CEO.

The company has seed brands for corn, cotton, and oilseeds and vegetables. Farmers use these seed-based products to produce healthier food and better yield.

9.  Mark V. Hurd

Mark Hurd, chairman, Hewlett Packard,  has a strong and proven track record is able to balance cost-cutting and growth, says the report.

Hurd has served as chairman, HP, since September 2006 and as CEO, president and a member of the board since April 2005.

HP is one of the largest technology companies in the world, developing and manufacturing computing, storage, and networking hardware, software and services.

10. Keith A. Hutton

Keith A. Hutton is consistent in his operating activities. Under his leadership, the company has achieved one of the best long-term growth stories in the sector, says Forbes.

Chief executive officer and a board member of XTO Energy Inc, Hutton is ranked tenth among the 25 CEOs.

Hutton has worked in various engineering positions for XTO over the past 19 years and served as president since 2005. XTO Energy acquires properties located in the best major producing areas of the United States.