Top 10 Tech CEOs & Influencers 2024: Who Made the Biggest Impact?

Meet the power players changing the tech world.

This year’s top tech CEOs and influencers include innovators, tech founders, and reviewers driving AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. Our list spotlights the visionaries leading the charge, from creators breaking down complex tech to entrepreneurs redefining innovation.

So, who’s shaping the future of technology? Let’s explore the biggest tech influencers who made a significant impact in 2024.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Top Tech CEOs & Influencers in 2024
3. The Bottom Line
4. FAQs
5. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Top Tech CEOs & Influencers in 2024
3. The Bottom Line
Show Full Guide
4. FAQs
5. References

Top Tech CEOs & Influencers in 2024

Our list highlights the best tech influencers and biggest tech CEOs, chosen based on two main criteria:

This selection includes a mix of tech founders, successful CEOs, and top tech influencers. It balances well-known names with rising stars from industries like AI, consumer technology, and digital infrastructure.

Here’s an overview of how these influential figures are shaping the tech world.

Now, we’ll examine this list of tech CEOs and famous tech creators to see how these people are making technology accessible and impactful.

1. Jensen Huang – CEO of NVIDIA

Key Achievements in 2024

Jensen Huang led Nvidia to become a global leader in AI chips, solidifying his position among influential CEOs of tech companies. In fact, in October 2024, Nvidia’s market capitalization even briefly surpassed Apple’s (it stood at $3.53 million).

The company now controls 90% of the global AI chip market, powering technologies like generative AI and cloud computing. Huang also secured a $6.6 billion investment led by OpenAI, boosting Nvidia’s growth.

Why He Made the List

Huang’s leadership has made Nvidia a key player in the AI industry and cemented his place as one of the most powerful CEOs in the industry.

His innovative strategies have transformed NVIDIA into a company that supports AI development worldwide, influencing many industries and shaping the global tech landscape.

2. Lisa Su – CEO of AMD

Key Achievements in 2024

Lisa Su has led AMD through an amazing transformation. Since she became CEO in 2014, AMD’s stock price has grown 50 times, now trading at around $126.

In 2024, AMD reached a new milestone by powering the world’s two most powerful supercomputers, including El Capitan. The company also entered the AI hardware market and expects $5 billion in revenue from specialized AI chip sales.

Why She Made the List

Lisa Su has turned AMD into one of the most innovative companies in the semiconductor industry, marking her place among the most influential CEOs and famous tech people. Her decision to focus on building high-performance chips instead of low-power processors helped AMD stand out.

She is also Time’s CEO of the Year 2024. Her leadership style motivates teams with big goals and puts customers at the center of the company’s success.

“People are really motivated by ambitious goals,” Su said. “The previous strategy of, hey, let’s just do a little bit better here and there—that’s actually less motivational.”

3. Marques Brownlee – YouTuber & Tech Influencer

Key Achievements in 2024

Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, continued to lead as one of the top influencers in technology. His YouTube channel has over 19 million subscribers and gets 750 million views every year.

In 2024, he gained attention for his honest criticism of overhyped AI products like the Humane AI Pin, which he called “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.”

He was also named #17 on the Forbes Top Creators 2024 list.

Why He Made the List

Brownlee’s simple and honest way of explaining complex technology has earned him the title of one of the most famous tech influencers. He not only reviews tech products but also leads conversations about the impact of AI and modern technology.

His balanced approach – celebrating innovation while calling out problems – makes him an important voice in the tech world.

“I think going viral is overrated. It’s the best thing that never happened to me, ” Brownlee said.

4. Sam Altman – CEO of OpenAI

Key Achievements in 2024

Sam Altman led OpenAI to strengthen its position as a top leader in AI, with special thanks to ChatGPT. By October 2024, OpenAI was valued at $157 billion (up from the $80 billion valuation in January 2024).

Altman, who earns a modest salary of $76,000 per year, has focused on making AI safe and beneficial for humanity. He also participated in global discussions about AI safety and helped shape international AI policies.

Why He Made the List

Altman’s vision and leadership have been key to OpenAI’s success. He stands out as one of the most famous tech CEOs because of his dedication to ethical AI development and his decision to avoid owning equity in OpenAI.

This choice shows his commitment to building trust and ensuring AI’s benefits reach everyone rather than focusing on personal financial gain.

“This is my childhood dream job – getting to work on artificial general intelligence and getting to sit in the room with the smartest researchers in the world and go on this crazy adventure. That is what I always wanted to do,” Sam Altman said during the New York Times’ DealBook Summit.

5. Gaurav Chaudhary – YouTube Creator (Technical Guruji)

Key Achievements in 2024

Gaurav Chaudhary, widely known as Technical Guruji, was honored with the Best Creator in Tech Category award at India’s first National Creators Awards in 2024.

With more than 23 million subscribers on YouTube and over 3.8 billion views, he has become one of the most influential tech educators in the country. His channel simplifies complex technology topics in Hindi and English, making them easy for millions of viewers to understand.

Why He Made the List

Chaudhary’s work has greatly contributed to raising tech awareness in India, aligning with the government’s Digital India and Make in India initiatives, making him one of the top tech influencers around the world. With his videos, he ensures his audience stays informed about the latest tech news, product reviews, and trends.

His content has helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and the average user, making technology more inclusive and accessible.

6. Sundar Pichai – CEO of Google and Alphabet

Key Achievements in 2024

Sundar Pichai is one of the most influential CEOs in the tech world, known for driving Google and Alphabet to success.

In 2024, Google introduced AI Overviews in its search engine – an innovation Pichai described as the biggest improvement in 20 years. This feature uses generative AI to provide smarter search results while addressing common issues like hallucinations.

Under his leadership, Alphabet also launched Project Astra, a groundbreaking AI assistant with multimodal capabilities. Despite legal challenges, including a ruling against Google for monopolistic practices, Pichai stayed focused on innovation and appealing the decision.

Why He Made the List

Sundar Pichai has earned his place among the top tech CEOs and most famous tech people because of his ability to lead Google and Alphabet through challenges while staying ahead in the tech race.

“We weren’t the first to build search, or a browser, or maps, or email, right? So I think what is important is, in the context of the new products we build, are we going to stay at the forefront?” Pichai said during his Time interview.

7. Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X

Key Achievements in 2024

Elon Musk has reinforced his reputation as one of the most famous tech entrepreneurs and big tech CEOs in 2024 by becoming the first person with a net worth of $400 billion.

His partnership with President-elect Donald Trump helped push the value of his companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company, to new heights. SpaceX reached a valuation of $350 billion after a major insider share purchase, while xAI doubled its worth to $50 billion following a new funding round.

Tesla’s stock also hit record highs, increasing by 42% since the election, driven by investor belief in Musk’s role in shaping deregulation policies under the new administration. Musk was also appointed as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Why He Made the List

Musk is widely regarded as one of the most influential CEOs and a leader among the top tech CEOs & influencers. His work in electric vehicles, space exploration, and AI has transformed industries and shaped the future of technology. His strategic influence, combining innovation with political connections, makes him one of the top influencers in technology today.

8. Shou Zi Chew – CEO of TikTok

Key Achievements in 2024

Shou Zi Chew has become one of the top tech CEOs & influencers, leading TikTok through a successful year.

Under his leadership, TikTok remained one of the most popular apps globally, ranking third in March 2024 with 46 million downloads, according to Statista. TikTok also contributed significantly to ByteDance’s valuation of $300 billion, making it one of the most valuable privately-owned tech companies in the world.

Chew is guiding TikTok during its legal battle against the US government, which is threatening to ban the app unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells its ownership.

Why He Made the List

Shou Zi Chew’s leadership has made TikTok a global phenomenon, underscoring his popularity as one of the most famous tech CEOs. His focus on innovation, growth, and navigating political challenges has ensured TikTok’s success.

Chew’s ability to manage both business opportunities and external pressures highlights why he is among the top influencers in technology.

9. Michael Dell – Chairman and CEO, Dell Technologies

Key Achievements in 2024

Michael Dell, one of the most famous tech entrepreneurs, has led Dell Technologies to become a global leader in AI infrastructure.

Under Dell’s guidance, the company transitioned from a PC manufacturer to a leader in digital infrastructure, positioning itself as a major player in AI innovation.

Dell Technologies now provides servers for over 2,000 AI-focused clients, a number expected to double soon. In fact, in 2024, the company achieved $88 billion in revenue thanks to rapid growth in AI-related server sales.

Why He Made the List

Michael Dell made the top tech CEOs list because of his ability to adapt Dell Technologies to meet the demands of a fast-changing tech industry. His leadership transformed the company into a global powerhouse in AI infrastructure.

By focusing on innovation and partnerships, he has become one of the most influential CEOs of tech companies and a key figure in the AI revolution.

“We started out as a company upgrading IBM personal computers, and then we started designing our own computers, and since then, we’ve evolved to become the largest IT infrastructure company in the world,” Dell said.

10. iJustine – Tech Content Creator and Influencer

Key Achievements in 2024

Justine Ezarik, known online as iJustine, strengthened her position as one of the top tech influencers in 2024. She was even named #38 on Forbes’ Top Creators 2024 list, with a total following of 12.9 million across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram.

This year, iJustine partnered with major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and BMW, proving her influence as one of the best tech influencers. She has also interviewed famous tech leaders such as Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and Daniel Ek, making her a trusted voice in the tech world.

Why She Made the List

iJustine has a unique way of making technology exciting and easy to understand for her global audience. As one of the biggest tech influencers, she uses her platform to connect tech enthusiasts with the latest products and industry news.

Her work blends unboxing, reviews, and interviews with tech leaders, helping consumers and businesses alike. Her partnerships with leading brands and her ability to communicate complex ideas make her one of the most famous tech creators, particularly for the female audience.

The Bottom Line

The list of the top tech CEOs and influencers of 2024 highlights the bold leaders driving breakthroughs in the tech space or bringing these innovations closer to the general public.

While CEOs and tech founders create groundbreaking technologies, influencers play a key role in bridging the gap between technology and people and encouraging its use.

Together, they were changing the tech market in 2024. Will they continue leading the space in 2025, or are there new power players to watch? It’s yet to be seen.

FAQs