Mr. Gates has a reputation as a brilliant, hands-on executive whose fingerprints are on every major decision made at Microsoft.

Mr. Wang was a hands-on executive intimately involved in the details of the company's operations for more than two decades, according to the report.

"He has a very good reputation of being a hands-on executive with strong administrative skills and a broad knowledge of the health care industry," Mr. Wygod said.

Lucchino, known as a hands-on executive, seems to delight in molding his general managers.

This was just one misstep in the area of public safety for Mr. McGreevey, who has already established a reputation as a hands-on, detail-oriented chief executive.

A hands-on executive, involved in every aspect of the business, he got his own start in the company in the 60's.

"Gould is very much a hands-on executive and he will get into the merchandising a lot," said a leading Bloomingdale's supplier.

Mr. Callaway was a hands-on executive until May, when his illness forced him to retire from daily operations.

He plans to be very much a hands-on executive, seeing creative when it's important, reviewing a new business pitch before or after deliverance.

Ms. Anthony is considered to be a sharp, hands-on executive whom artists respect.