50. Stuart Hughes

While JCB, where Stuart Hughes has been Group Chief Information Officer for two years, might be a well-established, family-run industrial firm, much of Hughes's experience has been gleaned in the new economy: first, at ecommerce company The Hut Group, then at travel marketplace LateRooms.com. Hughes describes himself as "an ex-developer frustrated by management" and who therefore tries to create environments in which developers and innovation can thrive.