Pallonji Mistry

Reclusive construction tycoon rarely seen in public, chairs the 142-year old Shapoorji Pallonji Group which sons Shapoor and Cyrus run out of India. It has built The Imperial, two 60-story residential towers in Mumbai. Biggest asset is his 18.4% stake in Tata Sons, holding company of the $70 billion (revenues) Tata Group which owns Corus Steel in the U.K. and marquee brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover and Tetley tea. Its beverage arm is partnering Starbucks in India. Son-in-law Noel Tata considered as frontrunner to succeed Tata group chairman Ratan Tata who is his step-brother, when he retires next year.