I like LandStander's idea about a group of villains or a cult of bad people but I think it might be more suited to a gang or group mentality. And I enjoy Lizzo's idea as well I think it still fits better with a group. Not that either of these are bad ideas at all, I actually like the idea of conspiring to make a small group of villains like Landstander mentioned, but I think if you're going to have the one bad guy it would be literally one guy or girl. They would be the person who silences a room when their name is brought up. 70% of the population could hate the person but the other 30% sure wouldn't want to be associated with them. Personally I like the idea of it begin this person and then the people who follow them. It could be out of blind loyalty, fear, or any number of things. They would be the baddest of the bad. The one even the bad guys don't want to be around.
At least this is how I always thought of the perfect villain.:blush: