Johnson and Johnson

Johnson and Johnson products have been a household staple for over a century, dating back to the company’s introduction of the original commercial first aid kit in 1888. Today, the New Jersey-based corporation supplies products to 175 countries, and has …

United States | Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare

Salesforce

In tech firm years, Salesforce is an aged grandee: founded in 1999 in San Francisco California by Marc Benioff and Parker Harris, over its 17 years of existence, the cloud computing firm has become one of Silicon Valley’s most recognisable …

United States | Technology

ICS Financial Systems

ICS Financial Systems (ICSFS) is a leader in core banking systems for the financial services industry. Its main offerings are ICS BANKS and ICS BANKS ISLAMIC; turnkey products that are are used prolifically around the globe. The company’s first-class systems …

United Kingdom | Financial Services

VTB Capital

VTB Group’s Corporate Investment Business is a leader in the international investment banking sector in Russia. VTB Capital has achieved significant results since it was founded in 2008 and has carved out a reputation as a reliable business partner for …

Russia | Financial Services

Al Ghurair Iron and Steel

Al Ghurair Iron and Steel’s operations take place in Abu Dhabi, though it has an impressive reach that extends throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. The company is the first and only steel cold rolling and galvanising complex …

United Arab Emirates | Manufacturing And Commodities

Kamakura Corporation

US financial software company Kamakura has become a world leader in risk management software and consulting. What distinguishes the business is its academic understanding of the processes its software underpins. One of the experts behind the organisation is Cornell professor …

United States | Financial Services

Cemex

At over 100 years old, Cemex is one of the world’s oldest and largest cement and building material producers. In recent years, the company has been forced to make cuts in order to remain profitable, although 2016 was a strong …

Mexico | Manufacturing And Commodities

Al Ghassan Motors

Al Ghassan Motors opened in 1992 and has become a leader in the luxury car market, operating in different countries and dealing in the sales and aftersales of several luxury brands. It’s the dealer for Bentley, Lamborghini and Infiniti in …

Saudi Arabia | Transport And Logistics

Accuity

With an expansive network and a world-renowned reputation – both of which continue to flourish today – Accuity firmly established itself as a leader in risk and compliance services in 2016. Despite its size and reach, the group still manages …

United States | Financial Services

Flipkart

Valued at approximately $16bn (according to research firm CB Insights), Flipkart is one of the largest online retailers in India. The company’s history is startling for its close similarity to that of chief rival Amazon: starting off as an online …

India | Retail

Xiaomi

Based in Beijing, Xiaomi is the fourth-largest smartphone maker in the world. The Chinese mobile phone giant has been operating since 2010 and was founded by Lei Jun. Openly influenced by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs (even borrowing the late entrepreneur’s …

China | Telecommunications

Netflix

Netflix defied analysts’ predictions of stagnating growth in 2016 with a subscriber increase of 3.2 million in Q3 alone. The Californian internet television network now boasts over 86 million subscribers across 190 countries – rising from an estimated 69 million …

United States | Media

Red Bull

Now in its fourth decade of production, Red Bull has continued to dominate the energy drinks market despite facing growing competition. Much of the company’s success has been attributed to its ability to engage young professionals through its combination of …

Austria | Retail

Smith and Wesson

Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, Smith and Wesson is one of the world’s best-known firearms manufacturers. Throughout its history – which goes all the way back to the 1850s – it has been a pioneer in firearms technology, responsible for the …

United States | Manufacturing And Commodities

Supercell

Despite still being in its infancy, Supercell has enjoyed enormous success with a string of gaming titles such as Clash of Clans, Hay Day and Boom Beach. Founded in 2010, the Helsinki-based mobile game developer has placed an emphasis on …

Finland | Technology

BVI Finance

The British Virgin Islands is a leading finance centre, internationally known for facilitating cross-border transactions utilising its portfolio of compliant, transparent and regulated products and services. The jurisdiction has long been praised for its thorough, world-class approach to governance, and …

British Virgin Islands | Financial Services

Nvidia

Nvidia came to prominence in 1999 with the invention of its revolutionary graphics processing unit, which helped to shape modern game and film production. Nvidia now holds 7,000 patents worldwide, with revenue hitting new heights of $5.01bn in 2015. Numerous …

United States | Technology

América Móvil

In the 16 years since it was established, América Móvil has become a huge power within the telecommunications industry, and now stands as the leading provider of integrated services in Latin America. The company boasts impressive figures regarding its user …

Mexico | Telecommunications

Westfield Corporation

Westfield Corporation is one of the global giants of the retail industry. It was created in 2014 after splitting from the Westfield Group, which has since gone on to manage the Australian properties once owned by the joint group. Despite …

Australia | Retail

Didi Chuxing

Founded in 2012, Didi Chuxing is the largest app-based ride hailing company in China. It has a presence in 400 cities across the country and serves close to 300 million people. With this large customer base, it is no wonder …

China | Technology

Remgro

Remgro’s intelligent, expansive approach has seen it named the ninth-biggest publicly traded company in South Africa by Forbes. The firm was established in the 1940s by Dr Anton Rupert (who went on to become one of the country’s biggest billionaires, …

South Africa | Financial Services

Nomura Research Institute

From humble beginnings, Nomura Research Institute (NRI) has become one of the most revered Japanese organisations, famed for its unique and efficient IT solutions. It now employs around 9,000 people and has subsidiaries across the world, in destinations including India, …

Japan | Technology

Agility

Regarded as one of the largest logistics companies in the world, Agility’s success can be attributed to its ability to identify – and later establish itself within – a number of emerging markets. Using its own Emerging Markets Logistics Index, …

Kuwait | Transport And Logistics

ATandT

ATandT is well established as the major player within the telecommunications industry, with a high-speed mobile network covering over 380 million people in the US alone. A subsidiary of inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s original Bell Telephone Company, ATandT is still …

United States | Telecommunications

Walmart de Mexico

The Mexican division of Walmart is the brand’s largest outside of the US, and the biggest retailer in Latin America. Overall, 2,000 stores are located around the country, employing more than 200,000 employees. Walmart de Mexico’s prospects were greatly bolstered …

Mexico | Retail

Goldman Sachs

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs has established itself as a leading global investment bank. The brainchild of Marcus Goldman and Samuel Sachs, the bank originally focused on the top tier of US business, working almost exclusively with the financial elite …

United States | Financial Services

Yancoal

Yancoal has cemented itself as one of Australia’s key players in the mining industry, producing 15.5 million tonnes of saleable thermal and metallurgical coal per year. Though the firm is tied to many international markets, its board of directors is …

Australia | Mining

Google

Since its formation in 1998, Google has not only established itself as the world’s number one search engine company, but has continued to diversify its range of products and widen its influence across multiple platforms. In 2016, the California-based technology …

United States | Technology

XM

Since it was established in 2009, XM has grown into a renowned forex trading platform, with over 700,000 clients around the globe. XM’s highly experienced team offers support in more than 20 languages, 24 hours a day; it also provides …

United Kingdom | Financial Services

Pinterest

While Facebook and Twitter continue to create headlines, Pinterest has always flown under the radar in the social media industry. The network, which lets people share, search for and save items and ideas, has amassed a tremendous 150 million monthly …

United States | Media

De Beers

Few, if any, companies have shaped their industries in the same way De Beers has moulded the diamond industry. Starting out with its first mine in 1871, by 1902 De Beers controlled 90 percent of the planet’s diamond production. In …

South Africa | Mining

Nordstrom

In 1887, John W Nordstrom made his way from Sweden to the US in search of opportunity. After moving around the country and taking up a series of menial jobs, he struck lucky in the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada’s …

United States | Retail

DAMAC Properties

Since its formation in 2002, Dubai-based private residential, leisure and commercial developer DAMAC Properties has established itself in a number of leading international markets. Delivering 16,000 properties and boasting a development portfolio of over 44,000 units, DAMAC became the first …

United Arab Emirates | Real Estate

Qantas

Renowned as one of the world’s oldest airlines, Qantas has established itself as the market leader in Australia, employing more than 30,000 workers and offering flights to 182 destinations across 44 countries. In 2016, the airline recorded its highest ever …

Australia | Transport And Logistics

Tesla

Despite receiving some bad press following Tesla’s first fatal crash in June, Elon Musk continues to steer his self-driving cars to new heights and cement his reputation as a visionary. In July, Musk revealed his ‘master plan, part deux’, which …

United States | Technology

Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro

After taking over his father’s company, Wipro, in 1966, Azim Premji turned the small hydrogenated oil manufacturer into a titan of the IT outsourcing industry. Wipro is now a multi-billion-dollar company, and this year completed the purchase of US cloud …

India | Technology

Tencent

While relatively unknown in the West, China’s Tencent is nonetheless one of the largest internet companies in the world. Its offerings are diverse, from online games and social media platforms to live video-streaming drones. The company, co-founded by CEO Huateng …

China | Technology

State Grid Corporation of China

In 2016, the world’s largest electricity utility provider continued its mission to build up its international presence. Now owning shares of Italian, Brazilian and Filipino companies, State Grid Corp has firmly established itself as an international firm. However, its vast …

China | Energy

Vietnam Dairy

Founded in 1975, Vietnam Dairy has grown its Vinamilk brand to dominate the market with an almost 50 percent share, making it a giant in Asian dairy manufacturing. Vietnam Dairy processes, manufactures and distributes milk and other dairy products across …

Vietnam | Manufacturing And Commodities

Barbara Gladstone, Owner, Gladstone Gallery

In the last few decades, the art industry has become one of the most lucrative and impassioned in the world. In spite of this competition, American dealer Barbara Gladstone has retained a dominant foothold, which many attribute to her strong …

United States | Retail

Planetary Resources

From its headquarters in Washington, Planetary Resources hopes to “expand Earth’s natural resource base” by utilising the resources that can be found within asteroids. The ambitious firm, founded in 2010 under the name Arkyd Astronautics, has set itself the bold …

United States | Mining

Kuwait Insurance Company

Kuwait Insurance Company (KIC) stands as the oldest and largest insurance firm in the country, and the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf states. Throughout its history, Kuwait Insurance Company has been a firm favourite with members of …

Kuwait | Financial Services

DeepMind

On a self-confessed “scientific mission to push the boundaries of AI”, Google-owned DeepMind (founded by Shane Legg, pictured) develops programs that can solve complex problems through self-teaching in the hope of increasing humanity’s capacity to solve real-world problems. Of notable …

United Kingdom | Technology

Lidl

From its humble beginnings as a small, independent grocery wholesaler in 1930s Germany, Lidl now boasts more than 10,000 stores across 26 European countries. Following huge success entering the UK market with more than 600 stores, the supermarket chain has …

Germany | Retail

VICE Media

Since its beginnings as an alternative youth culture magazine founded by Shane Smith (pictured), Suroosh Alvi and Gavin McInnes in 1994, VICE Media has grown into a multibillion-dollar media empire. In the 22 years since it was founded, it has …

United States | Media

GlaxoSmithKline

As one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, GSK is in a position to make a considerable difference, which is a goal that is deeply ingrained in the company’s philosophy. Through its research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of medicines, vaccines …

United Kingdom | Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare

Royal Bank of Canada

The Royal Bank of Canada has earned an exceptional reputation for its banking services, and now ranks as the largest bank in Canada. It currently serves over 16 million clients, with 78,000 employees worldwide, and specialises in personal and commercial …

Canada | Financial Services

Ethio Telecom

Since its founding, government-owned Ethio Telecom has gone from strength to strength in the telecommunications sector, providing employment to over 22,000 people. The company, which is based in Addis Ababa, provides integrated services to the state’s citizens, including telephone and …

Ethiopia | Telecommunications

Bimbo

Headquartered in Mexico City, Grupo Bimbo is the largest bread manufacturer in the world and the undisputed leader in the Latin American market. With over 100 brands and 10,000 products available, Bimbo is a marketing powerhouse across 22 countries in …

Mexico | Retail

Zipline

Californian start-up Zipline has stolen headlines across the globe with its humanitarian drone delivery service, which provides medicine and safe blood to thousands of Rwandans every year. With limited infrastructure and a number of hard-to-reach rural communities, Rwanda has millions …

United States | Technology

DP World

As the largest logistics company in the Middle East, with more than 37,000 employees across 110 countries, DP World is an undeniable industry heavyweight. Through its uncanny ability to develop long-term relationships with shipping lines, importers, exporters and governmental entities, …

United Arab Emirates | Transport And Logistics

AB InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev set global headlines alight in 2016 with the takeover of rival firm SAB Miller. At the time, AB InBev said the deal would create “the first truly global brewer”. It wasn’t wrong, as it now produces brands as …

Belgium | Retail

Natura Cosméticos

A continuing recession and political crisis in Brazil have led a number of the nation’s key manufacturers to invest abroad. While Natura Cosméticos is no exception – with 42 percent of its revenue generated overseas – the company’s work on …

Brazil | Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare

HubSpot

HubSpot is one of the world’s leading inbound marketing companies. From its offices in the growing technology hub of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company helps small businesses learn the tricks of the trade with regards to inbound marketing and boosting their …

United States | Technology

Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

There is no one who can claim to have contributed more to the ongoing political development of Africa than Mo Ibrahim. After working for several telecoms companies over a number of years, he eventually founded Celtel International in 1998. Since …

Sudan | Telecommunications

ADA Steel

Given the mammoth need for economic diversification in Angola, non-oil industries are crucial for the country’s ongoing development. Fortuitously, in December 2015, ADA Steel opened the country’s first steel mill, which now produces 500 tonnes of steel rebars per annum. …

Angola | Mining

Under Armour

The rise of ‘athleisure’ – fitness clothing that is also fashionable – has prompted a surge of new brands to spring up and eat into the market of traditional clothing manufacturers. Under Armour was founded by Kevin Plank in 1996 …

United States | Retail

Rakuten

Electronic commerce and internet company Rakuten has been named by Forbes as one of the world’s most innovative companies, famed for its vast appetite for acquisitions and joint ventures. Throughout its history, Rakuten has cast a wide eye over other …

Japan | Technology

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

Since its restructuring in 2005, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has developed into the largest listed bank in the world, providing comprehensive financial services to 5,320 corporate clients and over 496 million personal customers. ICBC now operates …

China | Financial Services

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO, TAG Heuer

Jean-Claude Biver’s influence on the Swiss watch industry has been as profound as his business success. Very few individuals have truly conquered their chosen sector, and fewer still can boast of having saved it from the brink of collapse and …

Switzerland | Retail

Naspers

Offering internet and media services in more than 130 countries, Naspers is now Africa’s largest company, with an estimated market value in excess of $60bn. The South African multimedia group – which celebrated 101 years of operations in May 2016 …

South Africa | Media

Airbnb

Since Airbnb’s inception in 2008, the home-sharing platform has provided temporary accommodation to more than 60 million customers. The service now operates in over 34,000 cities across 191 countries. Following its latest round of investment, Airbnb boasts a valuation of …

United States | Technology

Winton Capital Management

Winton Capital Management is a unique investment management firm. Founded by physicist and investment manager David Harding, Winton makes use of models developed from scientific and mathematical research. Through hiring physicists, mathematicians and engineers, Winton approaches its investments with deep …

United Kingdom | Financial Services

Unilever

Headed by Paul Polman (pictured), Unilever continues to set new standards within the private sector. Driven by its pioneering Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, the company makes sustainability an urgent and essential part of its long-term strategy. The plan’s overarching goal …

Netherlands/united Kingdom | Retail

Petrobras

Petrobras is committed to transforming the world through its unique technologies. The Rio de Janeiro-based company’s work spans many areas, including biofuels, exploration and production, and refining transportation and marketing. Its management team are great believers in collaboration, and in …

Brazil | Energy

DIF Broker

DIF Broker has been at the forefront of direct access trading since it was founded in 1999. In a world of low interest rates and investors’ increased awareness of financial assets, the firm’s role has only become more important. Customers …

Portugal | Financial Services

WA Freight Group

WA Freight Group is one of Australia’s – and the world’s – most trusted transport companies. The organisation has considerable experience across break bulk, interstate transport and courier delivery, among other services. The firm was created in 1991 as WA …

Australia | Transport And Logistics

AmorePacific

Since its inception in 1945, AmorePacific’s cosmetics have quite literally changed the face of Korean society. The firm has helped shatter the country’s traditionally conservative views towards make-up and has pioneered a number of societal firsts, including the promotion of …

South Korea | Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare

Snap

Having started life as a social media platform that allows users to send temporary images and videos to their friends, Snapchat has become much more widely successful within a few short years. The last 12 months have been no exception, …

United States | Media

Max Myanmar Holding

Ever since its founding in the 1990s, Max Myanmar Group of Companies has been a truly pan-Asian business. Founded by the Burmese businessman Zaw Zaw in 1993, Max Myanmar has grown to become one of Myanmar’s most successful firms. During …

Myanmar | Manufacturing And Commodities

Huawei

There is perhaps no better symbol of innovation within the Chinese economy than Huawei. While in the past it was often derided as selling cheap imitations of Apple’s iPhone, Huawei has more recently begun pushing the boundaries of modern smartphone …

China | Technology

Rio Tinto

The mining sector came up against some challenges in 2016, and while Rio Tinto (which has joint head offices in London and Melbourne) was not spared, it did fare better than others. The sale of the Simandou mine in Guinea …

Australia/united Kingdom | Mining

Lemonade

Founded in 2015, Lemonade is looking to do for the insurance industry what Uber did for taxis. The company sells peer-to-peer insurance, based around the idea of a group of users paying into a pool, with claims being withdrawn from …

United States | Financial Services

Patricia Barbizet, CEO, Christie’s

Following a decades-long partnership, luxury goods magnate François Pinault named Patricia Barbizet the new CEO of Christie’s in 2014. With Christie’s being the biggest auction house in the world, the appointment transformed Barbizet – the company’s first female CEO – …

United Kingdom | Retail

MTN Group

Headquartered in Johannesburg, MTN Group is the biggest telecommunications company in Africa. Aside from its market lead in the continent, it also operates in numerous countries across the Middle East. Given its significant footprint in the world’s largest unbanked areas, …

South Africa | Telecommunications

Walgreens Boots Alliance

Formed in 2014 as the result of a merger between US pharmacy giant Walgreens and Swiss-based Alliance Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance is now the largest chemist in the US and widely regarded as one of the biggest retailers in the …

United States | Retail

Tiger Brands

Packed goods company Tiger Brands has grown exponentially since it was founded as a family business in 1921. It is currently South Africa’s biggest food organisation, with connections to international food businesses in Chile, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Kenya and Cameroon. …

South Africa | Retail

Boeing

Boeing’s brave and bold approach has seen it become the leading player in the competitive, complex aerospace industry. It currently stands as the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, and is one of the best global employers; …

United States | Transport And Logistics

Attijariwafa Bank

Morocco’s leading bank, Attijariwafa Bank, is known for its huge appetite for growth. Over the years it has expanded enormously, setting up shop in London, Paris and Shanghai, as well as more proximal locations, such as Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and …

Morocco | Financial Services

Hello Social

Despite only launching in 2011, Hello Social boasts a diverse portfolio of multinational clients, including tech giants Microsoft and Fujitsu. The agency provides social media marketing solutions to both small and well-established brands, delivering a clear and consistent message across …

Australia | Media

QNB

As the biggest bank in the Middle East, Qatar National Bank (QNB) offers a vast array of products and services, both in Qatar and internationally. In particular, the group’s investment banking arm, QNB Capital, continues to go from strength to …

Qatar | Financial Services

Glencore

Anglo-Swiss company Glencore has become one of the largest family businesses in the world, thanks to its excellent capabilities as an exporter of various commodities. The trading and mining organisation has greatly enhanced its operations since it merged with industry …

Switzerland | Mining

Nintendo

When the release of Nintendo’s Wii U was declared a universal disappointment, it seemed like the company has lost its magic. However, 2016 turned into a triumphant year for the game maker: Nintendo began the launch of its smartphone games, …

Japan | Technology

Ernst Tanner, Chairman, Lindt and Sprüngli

Since his appointment as CEO in 1993, Ernst Tanner has played an instrumental role in the substantial growth of Swiss Chocolatier Lindt and Sprüngli. Though he stepped down from the position in October, Tanner will be remembered for his aggressive …

Switzerland | Retail

Insurance Australia Group

With a heritage dating back to 1925, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) now employs more than 15,000 workers across an array of brands in Australasia and Asia. With a number of subsidiaries already to its name, IAG acquired Wesfarmers’ insurance underwriting …

Australia | Financial Services

Etisalat

Etisalat has a long-standing history and renowned reputation in the UAE, particularly as it holds the title of being the country’s first telecommunications provider. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the group provides services to over 163 million customers across 17 countries …

United Arab Emirates | Telecommunications

fäm Properties

Despite being founded in the aftermath of 2008’s financial crisis, fäm Properties has managed to become one of the UAE’s leading real estate companies. It prides itself on providing clients with a unique blend of human and technological intelligence. Using …

United Arab Emirates | Real Estate

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

With a history going back more than 150 years, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has always maintained a strong presence in Australia’s rural communities. It is the only Australian bank to have its headquarters located outside a state capital (it is …

Australia | Financial Services

Marathon Oil

Marathon Oil can trace its history as far back as its founding as the Ohio Oil Company in 1887. Since then, it has gone through a number of name and ownership changes (including a stint as part of John D …

United States | Energy

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is among the UK’s largest start-ups, with a valuation of £1bn ($1.22bn) and a growing user base of 50 million visitors per month. Demonstrating a preference for self-generated revenue, the Edinburgh-based travel site raised £128m ($157m) in Q1 2016, …

United Kingdom | Technology

Kuehne + Nagel

Established by August Kuehne and Friedrich Nagel in Germany, Kuehne + Nagel has grown to become one of the best and biggest logistics providers in the world since 1890. With over 1,200 offices in more than 100 countries, the company …

Germany | Transport And Logistics

Pledge 51

Pledge 51 and its subsidiary ChopUp are currently leading a new wave of African game developers that are introducing the continent to the wonders of mobile gaming. Games that reflect African culture have proved especially popular: leading title Danfo, for …

Nigeria | Technology

Amazon

There is seemingly nothing Amazon cannot do. Having started as a humble online bookstore, it has grown into a company that transcends traditional business lines. It boasts a massive logistics network and a large catalogue of media streaming services, and …

United States | Retail

KBZ Bank

As one of Myanmar’s largest privately owned companies, KBZ continues to act as a driving force for the country’s economic development. KBZ’s banking outfit is particularly important, as it sets new precedents for sustainable development and transparent governance in the …

Myanmar | Financial Services

Clemenger

From humble beginnings, Clemenger – named after founder John Clemenger (pictured) – has become one of the most revered advertising agencies in Australia and New Zealand. The firm started life in 1946 as a small company in the basement of …

Australia | Media

Wells Fargo

Henry Wells and William Fargo founded Wells Fargo in 1852 in order to provide their fellow Americans with banking and express financial services. Their humble enterprise has since become a global finance leader, through prosperity, war and depression. Today, it …

United States | Financial Services

Issad Rebrab, Founder and CEO, Cevital Group

Born in Algiers in 1944, Issad Rebrab was quick to follow a path of entrepreneurship. He set up his own accountancy practice in 1968, followed by companies in the metal industry in 1971 and the iron and steel industry in …

Algeria | Manufacturing And Commodities