JOHN KRAFCIK

Chosen because: In September 2015, Google tapped the industry veteran to head its autonomous vehicle project, which spun off its own company, Waymo, last week. Since taking on his new role, John Krafcik, 55, has focused on forging partnerships with automakers. Google joined with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in May on a plan to develop 100 autonomous Chrysler Pacificas. The former CEO of Hyundai Motor America also has been vocal in the push for autonomous vehicle testing legislation, submitting revisions to state and federal guidelines to ensure the inclusion of technology companies.