Bangalore: Barron''s, the Dow Jones'' business and financial weekly, has named Vivek Paul, vice chairman, Wipro Ltd, as one of the 30 The World''s Most Respected CEOs.

Barron''s list identifies 30 top corporate leaders from across the world. "The 30 CEOs on our list have one thing in common: They make a big difference to shareholders," it said.

Barron''s acknowledges Paul''s contribution in transforming Wipro Technologies from a $150-million software developer into a $1-billion force in offshore outsourcing, handling IT and customer service for companies. "Because of Mr Vivek Paul, Wipro could pose the greatest long-term threat to world''s IT providers," it said.

In the list for 2005, Paul joins the elite company of renowned global business leaders such as Steven S. Reinemund, CEO, PepsiCo and Terry Semel, CEO of Yahoo!