We asked our survey respondents from across the financial community to list newly appointed or up-and-coming CEOs worth keeping an eye on. Behold the Fast-Rising Five.

Who are the best CEOs of America’s biggest companies? In other words, which leaders do investors trust the most to continue exceeding the ambitious results expected of them? Having divided 100 large-cap firms into 10 economic sectors, we sent out 80,000 surveys, analyzed the findings and then interviewed dozens of the respondents to find out why they voted for certain executives.

This survey, which we plan to publish annually, should be seen as a snapshot whose field of view will change from year to year. New corporate stars will emerge, stalwarts will step down and perceptions — and the business climate — will change. Such fluidity gives the list an added dynamic. But to rise near the top of this list even once indicates a record of excellence that inspires confidence in those who have substantial money riding on the performance of the companies these men and women lead. So enjoy a candid look at the stars of the corporate world, as determined by those with a front-row seat — and an unblinking critical eye.

The Fast-Rising Five

1. Richard Davis
U.S. Bancorp
Became CEO in December 2006 and has invested heavily in Bancorp’s highly profitable payments business (credit-card issuing, ATM processing, etc.). Bancorp emerged well-positioned in the wake of the recent credit crisis because of its minimal subprime-loan exposure.

2. Craig S. Donohue
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group
Dononue orchestrated the $12 billion merger in July with rival Chicago Board of Trade. CME shares have returned more than 80 percent over the last two years.

3. Anne Mulcahy
Xerox
Mulcahy rescued Xerox from near-bankruptcy and, more recently, has broadened the company’s reach from just copiers into a much more expansive document-management business.

4. James Keyes
Blockbuster
Previously CEO of 7-Eleven, Keyes was installed in part because of pressure from board director Carl Icahn. He’s looking to lead Blockbuster into the age of digital delivery with the company’s Total Access platform.

5. Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook
This wunderkind, barely old enough to drink, seeks to transform the popular social-networking site into an online empire driven by software applications. His visionary nature often draws him favorable comparisons to Steve Jobs.

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