Armen Sarkissian

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: It is increasingly apparent that any major oil and energy deal done between the West and Eastern Europe, including Russia and Kazakhstan, needs to be not only initiated but also blessed by Sarkissian. Last several years have seen over dozen deals in excess of $10 billion, which would not have happened if it was not up to him. If you are lets say BP and lets say want to take a 20% share in a major oil project east of Austria, you better have Sarkissian's number, and his good graces. This will help get on good side of presidents and prime ministers.

CAN BE PROUD OF: Eurasia Center, a non-profit think tank based in London, and his short but very productive tenure as prime minister of Armenia. Armenia has seen explosive growth 1998 - 2006 period, mainly due to Sarkissian's road map of economic freedom initiatives and overall growth.