Answer: kingpins

AnswerCrossword Clue
KINGPINSHead honchos
KINGPINSChiefs
KINGPINSBig wheels.
KINGPINSEssential persons: Colloq.
KINGPINSGroup leaders
KINGPINSBosses
KINGPINSTop bananas
KINGPINSMob bosses
kingpinsperson of chief importance in a corporation, movement, undertaking, etc.
kingpinsKINGPIN, a central bolt connecting an axle to a vehicle, also KINGBOLT
kingpinschief element of any system, plan, or the like
kingpinsmajor vertical bolt in a physical mechanism or structure; kingbolt
kingpinsnumber 1 pin, at the head of the trianglular pin setup, or number 5 pin, at the center