Mitsuko Tottori

Mitsuko Tottori's journey to the top of Japan Airlines' parent company was unconventional: She started as a flight attendant in 1985, and worked up to senior director of cabin attendants and chief customer officer. Tottori has said that her previous role as a flight attendant helped her develop her strength in risk management. Last year, she became the first woman to lead Japan’s flag carrier. Tottori’s tenure has hit some turbulence since she became CEO: Tottori accepted a temporary pay cut after an incident where two pilots drank too much before a flight. Still, the airline reported $12.7 billion in revenue for its fiscal year (which ends in March)—a record for the airline, as tourists continue to flock to Japan.