Brian Sikes

Cargill is America’s largest privately held business, with annual revenue of about $160 billion; if it published audited financial statements, the company would be ranked No. 24 on the Fortune 500. As Cargill’s CEO, Brian Sikes oversees the world’s largest commodity trading firm—a key player in the global food supply chain, especially in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With operations in 70 countries, the company is centered on grain and other agricultural products. It also trades many nonfood commodities (energy, steel) and includes a food-focused financial services firm. Sikes started his Cargill career right after graduating from college (major: agricultural economics) in 1991, taking a post at a beef slaughterhouse in Plainview, Texas. He became CEO in January 2023.