27. Paul Bellantone

PPAI

2019 Rank: 27

Title: President/CEO

Industry Experience: 22 years

Across the board, industry pros lauded Bellantone’s leadership role in addressing the far-reaching ramifications of the pandemic and its implications for the industry head on, and rallied around his decision to make the 2021 PPAI Vegas Expo a virtual event. Those who nominated Bellantone for this list also noted his frequent video addresses to the industry, his transparency and pragmatism, and his willingness to do a multitude of client podcasts, calls and webinars, all with the intent of keeping the marketplace as informed, focused and motivated as possible. Bellantone, who announced on November 17 that he will be stepping down at the end of March 2021, has been an unwavering champion for the industry for two decades – and the industry reciprocates with its respect.