Whether you are one, work for one, or would someday like to be one, CEOs are some of the most powerful and influential leaders of today’s society. These Chief Executive Officers turn peanut-sized startups into juggernauts that have changed the way we surf, shop, donate, drink, and more.

It only gets better if you are one of the millions who have a Twitter account. Integrate your love of social networking with your passion for the above by checking out the 25 CEOs you should follow on Twitter. Listed mostly by number of current followers, they contain some well-known and lesser-known names.

Tech CEOs You Should Follow on Twitter

Because without tech there would be no Twitter, check out these CEOs.

1. Pete Cashmore : With nearly two million followers, Pete is definitely worth a follow. The CEO of the hit site, Mashable, Pete leads the web in news, reviews, and more on everything tech. Lists of his include non-profits, health, web, and more. The site is also helpful when learning how to maximize your Twitter experience.

2. Evan Williams : If you love Twitter and CEOs, the Chief Executive Officer of Twitter itself is a must-follow. He has also co-founded Pyra Labs, which is the provider of the Blogger software. With tweets coming often and over one million followers, be sure not to miss him.

3. Biz Stone : Don’t stop at the above, get the official Twitter stream of its cofounder here. Biz tweets often on how to use Twitter for the best and what he is up to.

4. Tony Hsieh : If shoe shopping is part of your web experience, be sure to stop here. Tony is the CEO of the popular Zappos site. Tweets are on inspiration, random thoughts, and what he is up to. Be sure to click on his main site which shows the path to profits, passion, and purpose.

5. Kevin Rose : He is the founder of Digg.com, which shows what is hot on the web right now. Kevin also founded wefollow.com, which is all about who is topping the Twitter list. He also has tweets on design, Zen, tech, and more.

6. Guy Kawasaki : Visit here for a Twitter feed that answers the question of what is interesting. Guy is the CEO and cofounder of Alltop, a site that brings you the latest and best headlines. Tweets can literally come within minutes of each other.

7. Michael Arrington :Click here to follow the CEO of TechCrunch. Although TechCrunch still has its own feed, this one contains both retweets of their own feed, as well as commentary by Mike himself.

8. Richard Jailchandra : If you don’t use Technorati tags or don’t even know what they are, find out. Then stop here to follow its CEO. He tweets about social media, culture, politics and a smattering of personal observations.

9. Mark Zuckerberg: What does the CEO of Facebook have to say about Twitter? Not much. But for revolutionizing the way we do the internet, Mark is worth a look.

Women CEOs You Should Follow on Twitter

These CEOs focus show how women can also rise to the top.

10. Nancy Lublin: This self-described CEO and “Chief Old Person" is the head of DoSomething.org. The site helps young people volunteer for causes they care about. Regular tweets are on what’s going on in the world of non-profits. Random posts are also included.

11. Laura Fitton: Located in Boston, she is the CEO and founder of oneforty.com, which focuses on bettering Twitter apps and tools. Laura is also very excited and geeky about where all this technology is leading to. Inspiration, humor, and more are tweeted on.

12. Pam Moore : Fruit Zoom is a social media marketing and brand agency. As CEO, Pam asks the question of what 140 characters and more can do for your business. She splits her time and tweets between marketing and tech.

13. Joan Koerber-Walker :Check out this Twitter feed for an eclectic mix of news and ideas. Joan is the Chairman of the Board and founder of CorePurpose, Inc. As a business and community leader, she sees lots of really cool stuff and shares it.

14. Indie Business: This network is a trade organization for small and independent business owners. It’s CEO, Donna Maria, is also an attorney, author, small business owner, and host of The Indie Business Radio Show. Updates, tips, and more are featured.

15. Lowa Writer : Tricia is the owner and CEO of Expedient Express. She is also a writer, mother, nutrition advocate, and more. Tweets include prayers, links, and other items that interest her.

Miscellaneous CEOs You Should Follow on Twitter

The best of the rest of CEOs on Twitter.

16. Marc DeCaria : He is the CEO of San Marco Coffee, Inc. The leading site allows you to order coffee online in all sorts of varieties and flavors. He also enjoys business, family, and having fun.

17. David J. Morris : Why are coffee CEOs so popular on Twitter? Follow David to find out. The leader of Dillanos Coffee Roasters, his product has become very popular. He also has a YouTube channel, blog, and Facebook page.

18. Michael Hyatt : Stop here for the Twitter feed for the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing. Since 1798, they have been a leader in publishing and producing Christian books, Bibles, videos, and more. Tweets often give inspirational thoughts, things he likes, and more.

19. Steven Rothberg : This is the Twitter feed of the CEO of CollegeRecruiter.com. The site is a leading job board for recruiters and human resources to hire students for internships and entry level positions. He often reads the tweets and questions of followers, so he is definitely worth a look.

20. Jason Tryfon : Vital Insight Group is one of North America’s fastest growing technology companies and has CEO Jason to thank. He describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur, fitness freak, hockey maven, husband, and dad. Not necessarily in that order."

21. High Octane CEO : Also known as Marty Cox, he is the Founder and CEO of It’s A Grind Coffee Houses. Tweets often shout out to followers. He is also passionate about animal rescue and the iPhone.

22. Wayne Elsey: Soles 4 Souls is a non-profit who gives shoes to those in need. With over eight million shoes delivered to date, its CEO, Wayne, has loads to be proud of. He often gives tips and answers questions through Twitter.

23. Kevin O’Brien : Who knew pet relocation could be such a big deal? Kevin did as CEO of PetRelocation.com, which helps transport, ship, and other pet related services for those who are moving or traveling. He is also a golfer who is interested in social media, marketing, and tech.

24. Smarter CEO : Still in his twenties, Adam Arnold founded Smarter Housing, a specialist provider of high quality student accommodation. Tenants benefit from a fast, free and easy search, no letting fees and complimentary wireless broadband.

25. Damien Patton : FindAnyFloor.com helps all visitors choose and find a floor for their home or business. Damien is the CEO and isn’t stopping there. He is currently launching a new company blending vertical search, mobile, and social network technology.

If the above 25 CEOs you should follow on Twitter isn’t enough, don’t get discouraged. There are loads of Twitter feeds for professionals who hope to be CEOs someday, such as Economy Heroes. They specialize in motivating entrepreneurs and executives of emerging and middle market businesses and those that advise them.

 

If 25 CEOs is too small a number, there is help. Try using a Twitter directory such as Tweet Find or Twellow to help in your search for more.