Jeffrey R. Immelt

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Position: Chairman and CEO, General Electric

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Issue: Amidst tight profits and a snaillike economy, how to grow GE's highly diversified $132 billion operation, with businesses in everything from power generation to medical imaging, appliances, aircraft engines, and financial services-and preserve the company's century-old reputation for innovation.

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Personal Point of Impact: Since taking over in 2000, has placed high priority on creating new businesses. Has opened a research lab in China and is building another in Germany, pushing long-term projects in molecular imaging, nanotechnology, advanced propulsion, energy, and other areas. Upped central R&D budget from $286 million in 2000 to $359 million in 2003; seeks to make GE's main lab a focal point for strategic planning.

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