Neo-CEOs.

SMART, YOUNG AND FEARLESS, LATIN AMERICA'S NEW corporate leaders are busting into boardrooms across the region. As this month's cover story shows, these entrepreneurs are using new technology, above all the Internet, to open a path for their bold plans and ideas.

The proof of their true prowess, however, will come with execution. A lot of money--some estimates say as much as US$5 billion this year--will be thrown behind these neo-CEOs, especially the up-and-dot-comers. As always, mistakes will be made, but far more important is whether these missteps will be corrected.

Brute force is the preferred method of youth, but the market has broken many a stubborn chief executive officer who refused to bend to its will. Today's competition is fiercer than ever before thanks to the World Wide Web, which has eliminated many of the barriers to cross-border business. Even as we put together this report, the less agile and flexible of the wunderkind were quietly being kicked upstairs or unceremoniously off to the side.

The prevailing professionals will be world-class individuals whose ideas undoubtedly will have a far-reaching impact on their countries and the region. Who will win and who will lose? Come meet these mighty, young CEOs and decide for yourself.

Mike Zellner