Solomon Trujillo NEWCOMER DOWN UNDER
Melbourne-based Telstra's new CEO, Sol Trujillo, 53, will need to steer the telecom giant through some daunting challenges, namely Parliament, privatization and protocol. An IP-based network might help Telstra remain competitive and fully integrated. But a stagnant share price and warnings of an industry slowdown might push the former head of US West to cut costs (and jobs) as the government sells its remaining 51.8% stake, worth $25 billion. More foreign investment could raise Telstra's share price. That, and other regulations, should be decided by Parliament in August.
Denis Hennequin MONSIEUR "MCDO"
Is going local the best bet for McDonald's in Europe? If so, Denis Hennequin, 46, the new president of McDonald's Europe, is just what the company--whose sales dipped 1.4% in May--may need. Hennequin, who started by managing a Parisian outlet, is already offering Evian and pastries at the French McDos and tweaking standard fare with Greek Macs and a "dollar menu" variant in Germany. Next up: develop McDonald's in Russia, launch sandwiches and remodel British restaurants this fall--perhaps even offer a "meat and chocolate" dish in Romania. No stranger to the short-order line, Hennequin might just flip the burger market too.
Terri Kelly COMMUNICATOR
From NASA spacesuits to vascular stents, W.L. Gore & Associates has succeeded by applying technology from four core divisions to niche products, with few competitors. But new CEO Terri Kelly, 44, will need to prove Gore-Tex's brand value to wholesalers tempted to buy from low-cost competitors in Asia. Kelly says Gore needs to improve idea exchange and streamline operations for its 7,300 associates while hiring in its top performing divisions: medical and fabric. Her next step: to "be real," meaning more visits to Gore's plants and offices. "You're only a leader if you can get that followership," she says.