David Powers

Previously an executive at Converse, Nike, and the Timberland Co., Powers is no stranger to success in the footwear business. And he has put some serious pep in the step of Deckers, which owns athletic-shoe company Hoka One One, casual footwear brand UGG, and sandal maker Teva. Powers, 53, took the reins as CEO of Deckers in 2016, and over the past three years the company’s profits have grown at an annual rate of 264%. Admittedly, he has had a far different pandemic experience than the CEOs of many other retailers. The company’s brand portfolio is particularly well positioned to satisfy a work-from-home and fitness-focused consumer base. Deckers grew net revenue in each of the past two quarters, in large part owing to booming sales of the super-cushiony running shoes made by Hoka One One, which saw 83% year-over-year growth in Q2. Shares of Deckers have soared more than 50% in the past year.