Balance in business and family important for chief

Chief executives can take different tacks in their remarks when assuming office. Nielsen Holdings NV's Mitch Barns opened in January with: "I love my family."

"I've been married for 28 years, and my wife is the most important person in my life. We make every important decision together," Barns said during the interview.

For him, balance is very important, not only with family but also for the company.