European CEOs were selected based on the responses of hundreds of research analysts and portfolio managers at leading money management firms. We asked the following question: “Whom do you regard as the best CEO in the industry (or industries) for which you’re responsible?” The voting wrapped up in January 2007.

   Respondents were asked to name their first, second and third choices for best CEO; the responses were weighted to produce a score for each candidate. We name top CEOs, as of December 31, 2006, in each of the 31 industry sectors that we survey for the All-Europe research team.

   The ranking was compiled under the guidance of Director of Research Operations Sathya Rajavelu and Senior Editor Jane B. Kenney.