Stan Shih

An era is ending in Taiwan. Stan Shih, one of the pioneers of the island's electronics industry, is retiring as chairman of Acer Inc. in December. It may seem a strange time to step down. Shih is only 60, and his company is riding high, thanks to a key restructuring plan he initiated in late 2000.

So why throw in the towel? Shih wants to set an example by retiring early. And he's pushing a program that could take as many as 85 managers over the age of 60 with him. "Chinese always try to work until they can't anymore. I don't think this is right," explains Shih. "I want to be a role model."