Age: 55
Occupation: CEO of Goldman Sachs
Previous TIME 100 Appearances: 1
Depending on your perspective, Goldman Sachs is a paragon of U.S. capitalism or an exemplar of its worst excesses. As its top dog, Blankfein receives the kudos and criticism that attend both views. Though he cut his own salary, the former gold salesman only expanded the bulls-eye on his back in 2009 by doling out massive bonuses and uttering the infamous joke that bankers are "doing God's work." But he remains one of the most powerful executives on Wall Street — and thus one of the most divisive figures in the country.