In boardrooms across the globe, immigrant leaders are rewriting the rules of success. Armed with grit, ambition, and bold vision, these CEOs didn’t just adapt to new countries — they transformed entire industries. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, here are 10 powerhouse immigrant CEOs proving that talent knows no borders.
In a recent statement, U.S. investor Lauren Balik criticized the H-1B visa program, asserting that many holders lack essential skills, such as basic algebra, yet secure high-paying jobs. Her remarks have sparked controversy with some accusing her of racism and others agreeing with her assessment.
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However, here’s a list of immigrant CEOs that have broken barriers to not just survive but thrive in the United States.
1. Jensen Huang – CEO, NVIDIA (Taiwan → USA)
A self-proclaimed nerd who once worked as a dishwasher, Jensen Huang now leads the world’s most valuable AI company. As co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, he’s been at the forefront of the AI revolution—powering everything from gaming to autonomous cars to generative AI. Huang is not just building chips; he’s building the future.
2. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Alphabet (Google’s Parent Company) (India → USA)
Calm, collected, and famously low-key, Sundar Pichai is the driving force behind one of tech’s most influential empires. The Chennai-born engineer now oversees Alphabet’s vast ecosystem—from Google Search to Waymo’s self-driving cars—steering the company through AI disruption with quiet brilliance.
3. Arvind Krishna – CEO, IBM (India → USA)
Arvind Krishna took the reins of IBM in 2020 and hit the gas on AI and hybrid cloud innovation. Born and raised in India, Krishna has helped reposition the 100-year-old tech giant into a modern, forward-looking player in enterprise computing, all while keeping its legacy intact.
4. Tony Xu – CEO, DoorDash (China → USA)
Inspired by watching his immigrant parents toil in restaurant kitchens, Tony Xu co-founded DoorDash with a mission to help small businesses thrive. Now CEO of one of the biggest food delivery companies in the U.S., Xu continues to innovate on last-mile logistics and expand globally.
5. Dara Khosrowshahi – CEO, Uber (Iran → USA)
From refugee to ride-share king, Dara Khosrowshahi’s story is one of transformation. He took over Uber during its most chaotic era and brought stability, transparency, and a renewed focus on sustainable mobility. Today, Uber is more than rides—it’s delivery, freight, and future-facing tech.
6. Lisa Su – CEO, AMD (Taiwan → USA)
Once underestimated in the chip world, Lisa Su has made AMD a force to be reckoned with. Born in Taiwan and raised in the U.S., Su is one of the most respected tech leaders in the world, with a laser-sharp focus on performance, innovation, and relentless execution.
7. Revathi Advaithi – CEO, Flex (India → USA)
Leading a $30B global manufacturing giant is no small feat, but Revathi Advaithi does it with purpose and poise. Since becoming CEO of Flex in 2019, the India-born executive has championed diversity in leadership and steered the company toward sustainable innovation in supply chain and design.
8. Ravi Kumar S – CEO, Cognizant (India → USA)
Ravi Kumar took over as CEO of Cognizant in 2023 with a clear mission: revitalize growth and reimagine what a global IT services firm can do in the age of AI. An engineer by training, and a strategist by instinct, Kumar brings a human touch to cutting-edge tech.
9. Damola Adamolekun – CEO, Red Lobster (Nigeria → USA)
At just 34, Damola Adamolekun is steering one of America’s most iconic dining chains. The Nigerian-born executive previously led P.F. Chang’s and brings private equity precision to his new role. His focus? Reinventing casual dining for a new generation of foodies.
10. Fernando De Leon – CEO, Leon Capital Group (Mexico → USA)
From humble beginnings in Mexico to leading a $4B investment firm, Fernando De Leon’s rise is equal parts grit and genius. As CEO of Leon Capital Group, he’s redefining real estate, healthcare, and private equity—while championing education and opportunity for others just like him.
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These CEOs didn’t just cross borders — they broke barriers and built empires, demonstrating that true leadership knows no nationality. Their stories prove that success isn’t limited by where you’re born but by the vision, perseverance, and innovation you bring to the table. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, these trailblazers are not only shaping their industries but also paving the way for the next generation of global leaders. So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established executive, remember: borders are only lines on a map. Great ideas and bold action know no bounds.