28. Gian Riccardo Marini

Rolex CEO Gian Riccardo Marini signed one of the biggest deals of 2012 with Bernie Eccelstone – Rolex has entered into a long-term partnership with Formula 1 as Official Timekeeper and Official Timepiece, effective as of 2013. As many watch fans and racing fans know, this role was previously held by Hublot. Marini is responsible for the important brand combinations with sailing and golf and the creation of limited editions for these sports. When Marini talks about the uniqueness of a Rolex watch he uses this quote: “an object of passion and luxury, but also an important personal investment”. The whole marketing has made Rolex to be one of the most solid luxury brands in the world. Marini will step down from the CEO position in mid-June 2015.