The grassroots (or treetop) nature of that journey, with its sense of discovery heightened by refueling stops in remote areas, seems fitting for Corti. Today, as CFO of Nestlé S.A., based in Vevey, Switzerland, Corti, a Swiss native, helps lead a company that prides itself on being present in, and supremely knowledgeable about, virtually every country in the world. "One of the high points of that trip," recalls Corti, "was flying over and touching down on the endless plains of Russia. You realize how enormous the country is and the folly of trying to conquer it."

ON DUTY AND OFF, A MULTINATIONAL EXECUTIVE GETS TO KNOW THE WORLD.

Military conquest may be an outmoded concept, but on the modern economic battlefield, emerging markets like Russia -- where Nestlé is active -- represent valuable new territory for the highly competitive consumer foods business. Nestlé, the world's largest packaged-food company, has always emphasized long-term commitment to in-country units, customers, and markets. It focuses on six worldwide corporate brands, including Nestlé, Nescafé, Nestea, Buitoni, Maggi, and Friskies, which are complemented by regional brands such as Stouffer's and Crosse & Blackwell.

After graduating from HBS, Corti took a job as a corporate planner at Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation in California. Returning to his native land in 1977, he worked at the Swiss National Bank and later served as Undersecretary for Foreign Economic Affairs before accepting the Nestlé USA position in 1990.

Corti, who became Nestlé's CFO in 1996, lists the company's priorities as continuous improvement in the areas of communication with consumers, operational efficiency, and product availability, as well as renovation and innovation throughout the company. In addition to his financial duties, he helps to implement Internet-based initiatives for Nestlé and serves on an industry committee defining Web-based standards for global commerce.

Last spring, amid a flurry of acquisitions by competitors, Corti didn't rule out similar moves by Nestlé. "But for the most part," he notes, "we are in the areas where we want to compete, so our focus is on strengthening existing positions." In 1999, Nestlé's sales of nearly $46 billion represented growth of 3.6 percent in real terms, with profits up 12 percent over 1998.

Corti -- who has a doctorate in economics from the University of Lausanne -- speaks five languages, reads widely, and still studies textbooks on corporate finance. "I enjoy this job because you never get stale," he says. "One of my favorite lines is, 'Education is the progressive discovery of your own ignorance.' I've always liked that saying. I like to learn."

-- Garry Emmons