India's and the world's most talked-about CEOs (July 16-Aug 15)

Ratan Tata
Rata Tata was the most talked-about CEO in August. Insinuations by the 2G scam accused and Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa that the Tata Group had paid former Telecom Minister A. Raja Rs 20 crore in kickbacks and Tata's strong denials were extensively reported. The Tata Group chairman also received favourable coverage following the announcement by the group that his successor would be named by the year-end. Tata was widely praised for his achievements and the legacy he would leave behind when he retires on December 28, 2012. His meeting with the finance minister - along with other business leaders - to discuss economic policy also made headlines.

Sharad Kumar of Kalaignar TV and Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV [two of the 2G scam accused] received the maximum negative media coverage.