Steve Jobs - Agenda Setters 2009

Name: Steve Jobs

Title: Apple CEO

Position: 1    Last year: 2

Why? For adding excitement to technology

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• Evan Williams

Steve Jobs becomes the only person, in the 10-year history of Agenda Setters, to have made it to the top of the list - twice. He's also made the list in eight of the nine previous years, and has made the top 10 unfailingly since 2003 - a reflection of the incredible impact he has had on the IT industry over the last decade.

There's no doubt Jobs has been one to watch for some time - particularly after the turnaround he effected at Apple after returning in 1997 to the head of the company he founded - but why should Jobs be top of the Agenda Setters table this year?

Whether it is launching new products – such as the souped-up iPhone 3G S – or merely the rumour of new products, such as the much discussed but unconfirmed Apple tablet – Jobs and Apple have earned the power to set the agenda far beyond the technology industry.

Despite being away from his desk for six months this year on a medical leave of absence, Jobs is still Apple's primary motivating force and he was praised by many of the panellists for making technology appealing in a way most of his competitors never have.

"Apple continues to set the agenda in IT desirability," said one. He's "adding excitement and sex appeal to consumer technology", said another and "continuing to create software and devices that are the benchmark for how cool media consumption can be" according to a third.

It's a testament to Jobs' work that Apple is now considered more a lifestyle brand than a pure tech company. With Jobs back in the CEO's seat, all eyes will be on him to see where he can take his agenda setting company next.

As well at founding Apple, Jobs also co-founded Pixar Animation Studios, which has created eight of the most successful animated films of all time, and which merged with The Walt Disney Company in 2006. Jobs also now serves on Disney's board of directors.