The image of Indian-origin heads of global Inc. is now anything between messiah and the architect of a greater mess.

Across boardrooms spread over diverse sectors including financial services, funds steering houses, telecom, et al, the presence of Indian-origin leaders went in for a change in 2008 with calls in subdued tone for removal of Vikram Pandit, who was brought in to set troubled Citigroup's house in order and the exit of the legendary boss of Vodafone Arun Sarin.

Others like Neel Kashkari emerged on the big stage.

The raging credit crunch saw many of them embarking on a cost-cutting spree, while people such as steel czar Lakshmi Mittal saw their wealth melt away. One of the world's wealthiest man, the India-origin chief of ArcelorMittal saw billions of dollars dwindle even as he was pushed to the second place in the Forbes list of 40 richest Indians.

Apart from the likes of Pandits, Kashkaris and Mittals, the likes of Pepsico Chief Indra Nooyi, former Vodafone boss Arun Sarin, Motorala Co-Head Sanjay Jha, steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal and Cisco's technology boss Padmasree Warrior are eagerly watched if not forgotten.

Chennai-born Nooyi continues to retain her place among the most powerful business women while Sanjay Jha has been entrusted with the responsibility to turn around Motorola which is fast losing its market dominance.