The best CEOs of the year are:
Since there isn’t a single “best” CEO of 2025, as different publications highlight leaders based on various criteria (innovation, profitability, culture), this is a list of the best.
The Economist: Highlighted leaders who boosted shareholder returns, including Armin Papperger (Rheinmetall), Tom Palmer (Newmont), Jacek Olczak (Philip Morris), and Greg Peters/Ted Sarandos (Netflix).
Barron’s: Recognized Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Clifton Pemble (Garmin), among others, for their management excellence.
Ekosnegocios: Named Satya Nadella #1 for his growth in AI/cloud and for the brand value achieved.
Most Loved Workplace: Praised Sassine Ghazi (Synopsys) as one of the CEOs most valued by their teams.
CEO Monthly: Awarded Chris Chaney (CW+) for his innovation in the healthcare sector.
And one of the biggest surprises of the year is a little further down. Keep reading.
Every list changes, but there’s one pattern that doesn’t.
The best are no longer just those who maximize shareholder value, but those who care for people, drive transformation, and dare to do things that matter.
And here comes one of the biggest surprises of the year.
Among so many names and lists, a different leadership model emerges: that of TOTEM Branding, which won the Best Top CEO Award in Branding.
Where the “best CEO” isn’t a single person, but the sum of three roles in one.
CEO + CCO + COO working as a single strategic, creative, and operational heart.
Andy Stalman + Graham Purnell + Gema Paniagua = A trio that doesn’t just seek to be important, but to do things that matter.
Being a CEO in 2025 involves much more than managing operations. It’s about leading with a human vision, aligning strategy, creativity, and execution in a world accelerated by AI and cultural shifts.
TOTEM Branding demonstrates this by merging these roles into a collective leadership that fosters innovation without losing the soul of branding—listening, inspiring, and transforming companies into purpose-driven brands.
Looking ahead to 2026, this trio teaches us three key lessons:
The first is collaboration over ego, to multiply impact.
The second is humanity over metrics, prioritizing cultures that retain talent and generate loyalty.
And the third is regenerative audacity, daring to redefine industries with brands that not only grow, but also leave a legacy.
A call to all leaders. The future doesn’t reward lone wolves, but those who build as a team.
