The 28-year IBM veteran is senior vice president for the Systems and Technology Group. He leads all aspects of IBM's semiconductor, server, storage, system-software and retail-store solutions enterprise. The division earned more than $16.2 billion in 2009. Adkins is also in charge of Big Blue's integrated supply chain, "which includes global manufacturing, procurement and customer fulfillment."

Click here for video of Adkins receiving accolades for being named Black Engineer of the Year.