People to Watch

Ryoji Chubachi
President of Sony

Chubachi wants the world to know that Sony can still make cool stuff. On December 1, Japanese consumers will be able to get their hands on Sony’s (and the world’s) first organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TV, an 11-inch wonder that’s only 3-millimeters thick and more energy-efficient than existing televisions. Chubachi wants this wee TV to be “the symbol of the revival of Sony’s technological prowess . . . the flag under which we charge forward to turn the fortunes around.” Wave that tiny flag!

Wu Yi
Vice Premier of China

The top trade negotiator and troubleshooter in chief for the People’s Republic, Wu leads a committee charged with improving safety standards and ensuring that “Made in China” doesn’t become synonymous with pet-killing kibble, poisonous toiletries, and tainted toys. The 69-year-old Wu, who is retiring shortly, will speak for her country one last time when safety issues are discussed at U.S.-China trade talks set for the week of December 10 in Beijing. Note to the American delegation: Bring your own toothpaste.