Timing is everything. And this Argentine exec, formerly ADM’s COO, replaced Patricia Woertz just as big bets on ethanol were turning sour and oil and grain prices were poised to plunge. Since he took over (in January 2015) through January 2016, ADM’s stock fell 32.5 percent. (The S&P fell just 5.8 percent.) Luciano is now … Read more
Last April, Gordon was named the first female chairman of the august Economic Club of Chicago—proof, if you needed any, that she has clout with a capital C. Even trends like non-GMO and gluten-free are no match for her: The food ingredient maker she runs now cranks out specialty products that account for a quarter … Read more
Claypool stars in the political equivalent of that old Mike Rowe show Dirty Jobs: He’s the guy who’s always called on to clean up someone else’s mess. Patronage at the Chicago Park District. The Ventra rollout debacle at the CTA. All manner of trouble on the Fifth Floor as Rahm’s third chief of staff. Claypool’s … Read more
At this point, the question is not whether you’ll find yourself at a critically acclaimed Kahan joint, but which one. Big Star, Dove’s Luncheonette, or the Violet Hour in Wicker Park? Or maybe Avec, Blackbird, or the Publican in the West Loop? Add in a still-under-wraps showpiece slated for the intersection of Damen, North, and … Read more
In many respects, Zimmer had a terrific year: The university won the Obama presidential library sweepstakes, for example, and U. of C. Medicine announced that it would open a badly needed Level I trauma care center, a move applauded by virtually the entire South Side. Numbers, however, may be catching up to this trained mathematician. … Read more
In the great mess that is Springfield, Cullerton has emerged as the voice of moderation, trying to bring together the warring speaker and governor. He has put together major compromise proposals for school funding and pension reform. Along the way, he has ticked off both Madigan and Rauner—which suggests he’s doing something right.
What is Eychaner up to? Few people seem to know—and that’s just how the wealthy radio station owner likes it. Behind the scenes, however, he’s a macher of the first order. If Hillary makes it into the White House, she’ll have this Democratic megadonor, in part, to thank.
Name someone in Chicago’s power crowd, particularly its business elites, and chances are that Rogers has placed, advised, or mentored them—including a gal named Hobson (No. 18) and a fella named Obama. He marries well too: First wife Desiree Rogers went on to be Johnson Publishing’s CEO, and ex-wife No. 2, Sharon Fairley, was just … Read more
Webb’s slogan should be “Better Call Dan.” If major wrongdoing is suspected, he’s the guy you want. Webb’s latest: investigating Rahm’s law office and helping Ferguson, Missouri, hash out a settlement with the feds over police abuses.
Hers is the hand that controls a spigot pouring out $220 million a year in grants, more than any other foundation in Chicago. Though Stasch has held the top job for barely a year, she’s already well into a major overhaul: MacArthur is narrowing its focus, seeking a bigger impact in fewer areas (justice, climate … Read more
