Indonesia's Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono became president on October 20, 2004, replacing the incumbent Megawato Sukarnoputri. Before entering into politics, he served as a lecture and a military general. His first experience in politics came when he was appointed minister of mines and energy in 1999. He later served as coordinating minister for politics and security. He was born on September 9, 1949, in Pacitan, East Java. He received his PhD in agricultural economics from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture in 2004. He is married to Kristiani Herawati.

Italy's Silvio Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi was elected prime minister for the third time on April 29, 2008. He occupied the position previously from 1996 to 2001 and 1994 to 1995. Before entering into politics he worked in business, including construction, telecommunicatins and media. During his time in politics he has held a number of cabinet portfolios including minister of foreign affairs, minister of economy and finance, and minister of health. He is scheduled to chair the 2009 G8 Summit. Berlusconi was born in Milan, Italy, on September 29, 1936. In 1961, he received his degree in law from the University of Milan. He is married to Veronica Lario.

Japan's Taro Aso

Taro Aso became prime minister on September 24, 2008, replacing Yasuo Fukuda, who had held the position since September 2007. Before entering into politics Aso worked in mining. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1979 and has been re-elected eight times. He served in a variety of positions in government including minister of foreign affairs and minister of international affairs and communications. He was born in Iizuka in Fukuoka prefecture on September 20, 1940. Aso studied politics and economics at Gakushuin University and went on to Stanford University and the London School of Economics. He was also a member of the Japanese shooting team that competed at the 1976 Olympics. He is married to Chikako Aso.

Korea's Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak became president on February 25, 2008, replacing Roh Moohyun, who had occupied the position since 2003. He worked in the business sector, moving up the ranks of Hyundai and becoming the youngest-ever chief executive officer before entering into politics. Lee was first elected into the Korean National assembly in 1992. He served as mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006. Lee was born in Kirano, Japan, on December 19, 1941. He received a degree in business administration from Korea University in 1965. Lee is married to Kim Yun-ok.