noun
influential person; person of influence
Refers to someone who wields influence or power, often in political, business, or social contexts. Can carry a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone.
彼は政界の利け者として知られている。
He is known as an influential figure in the political world.
地元の利け者に話を通しておいたほうがいい。
You'd better talk to the local influential person first.
Composed of 利け (from 利く, meaning 'to be effective' or 'to work well') and 者 (person). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word literally suggests a person who 'works well' or is effective, hence an influential person.