LI SHUFU

For years, Li Shufu has burnished his reputation as a world-class wheeler-dealer, amassing an automotive empire that stretches the globe from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group’s headquarters in China. It started with Geely’s rescue of Swedish marque Volvo and picked up the pace with such acquisitions as U.K. sports car maker Lotus and Malaysian manufacturer Proton. Throw in such gambits as Lynk & CO, a new brand for electrified mobility, and Li’s legacy seemed secure.