Ad Categories: City Life

He runs an investment firm that punches far above its weight class. He gets to boss Mellody Hobson (No. 14) around. And he remains the best-connected, most influential black businessman in town.

How’s this for a year? In 2014, the 16,000-employee company he and his younger brother, Jude, run dethroned Anheuser-Busch as the nation’s biggest beer distributor and became the exclusive bottler and distributor for Coca-Cola in the Chicago area.

He keeps a relatively low profile, but his $3 billion net worth still wields influence, some of which he uses for the greater good. Last year, he donated Hyatt space for a Robin Hood Investors Conference, where Wall Street’s deepest pockets fight poverty, and his long-term philanthropy earned him a spot in the American Academy … Read more

His company (and ample personal fortune) may have taken a hit last year—Morningstar’s market value plunged 22 percent—but not his ambition. He recently said his goal is to make Morningstar "ubiquitous" to investors—and he's been investing heavily in tech to make that happen. 

He’s the man everyone calls. Including the mayor, like, 50 times a day. Spielfogel, say those at City Hall, is “Mini-Rahm,” spearheading virtually all of the mayor’s policy initiatives. He left the office in January to work on the mayor’s campaign but says he’ll be back in the spring (resuming his customary spot inside Emanuel’s … Read more

He may not be getting as much national attention as he once did. But in January, the entrepreneurial artist with the growing urban renewal empire landed the prestigious Artes Mundi prize for contemporary art, and he remains a powerful operator in town. This year, he’ll participate in the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial and complete a … Read more

You want a testament to the power of Kahan and his One Off Hospitality Group? Try getting a table at Big Star during prime dinner time. When Kahan opens a restaurant, be it seafood-centric Italian (Nico Osteria) or Tex-Mex diner fare (Dove’s Luncheonette), the crowds and accolades follow—and, most meaningful, stay.

In Chicago, “Canning” and power go together as surely as hot dogs and mustard. Not only does he oversee the largest private equity firm in the city, but he’s got his finger in a zillion pies, from Exelon (he’s a director) to the Museum of Science and Industry (he’s chairman). He made an unsuccessful bid … Read more

For many of its 113 weeks (and counting) on The New York Times bestseller list, Flynn’s third thriller, Gone Girl, has sat at the top. (See the Power Smackdown for how she stacks up against her main local rival.) The former Entertainment Weekly writer turned master of unease showed she could wield her craft just … Read more

Famously reclusive, this radio station owner is the power behind several progressive causes. His backing made same-sex marriage a reality in Illinois, and he remains the top donor to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Last year, he was the third-largest donor ($5 million) to the Senate Democrats. That didn’t work out so well, but Eychaner … Read more