I have heard some great qualifications and personal/professional attributes mentioned, I agree with just about all of them. In my part of the world basic qualifications plus several years of living and breathing company culture (politics) + developing relationships with the right people (may call it ass kissing) is really what puts people in these positions. The other thing is attending every company brainwashing exercise and convincing the higher ups that it changed your life. The glimmering smile and appearance of ambition is crucial.
I can not imagine life is much different on the other side of the pond or the island where the toilet water flushes back wards. Now on with the more proactive post's...