Celebrating the Women Who Shape Business: Fortune's 2025 Most Powerful List

Fortune's 2025 Most Powerful Women in Business List Released

On May 20, 2025, Fortune unveiled its latest edition of the Most Powerful Women in Business list, a prestigious ranking that spots 100 leading female figures across multiple industries including finance, technology, healthcare, telecom, and retail. This 28th installment celebrates women making significant contributions to the business landscape, and underscores their continued rise in positions of power.

A Diverse Representation

The 2025 list showcases a remarkable global representation, featuring 52 women from the United States and 48 from various countries around the world. Notable international figures hail from eight different nations, with leaders from China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Brazil, Australia, and the UAE making their mark. This geographic diversity highlights the growing influence of women in business globally.

Among the 100 honorees, 16 are newcomers — a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of female leadership in business. Notable newcomers include Claudine Adamo, Costco's chief operator and merchant, who ranks at No. 43 for her impactful role in managing inflationary pressures by maintaining affordable prices. Julie Gao, the CFO of ByteDance, who ranks No. 81, is also recognized for her adept handling of complex financial matters involving the parent company of TikTok.

Top Ten Leaders

The top ten women on the list exemplify the epitome of leadership and innovation, leading some of the world's most influential companies:
1. Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, General Motors (U.S.)
2. Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture (U.S.)
3. Jane Fraser, CEO, Citigroup (U.S.)
4. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD (U.S.)
5. Ana Botín, Executive Chairman, Banco Santander (Spain)
6. Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO, DBS Group (Singapore)
7. Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO, TIAA (U.S.)
8. Marta Ortega, Chairperson, Inditex (Spain)
9. Abigail Johnson, Chair and CEO, Fidelity Investments (U.S.)
10. Meng Wanzhou, Deputy Chairwoman and CFO, Huawei (China)

Mary Barra, a consistent face at the top, has once again claimed the No. 1 position. Barra navigated through significant challenges including a series of disruptive auto tariffs and continues to drive General Motors toward innovative technologies and profitability in electric vehicles.

A Spotlight on Impact

This year’s list serves not only as a acknowledgment of existing power but also sheds light on the women who are set to ascend in their respective fields. Alyson Shontell, Editor in Chief of Fortune, remarks that nearly half of this year's honorees hail from outside the U.S., emphasizing the global impact women are having in business.

Emma Hinchliffe, a senior writer at Fortune, points out that the list showcases both present power holders and those paving the way for the future. This perspective encourages a new generation of leaders to recognize the possibilities ahead in their careers.

As part of the announcement, Fortune's inaugural MPW International Summit in Riyadh marks a significant expansion of the platform, emphasizing the importance of uplifting female voices in the global business dialogue. Looking ahead, the upcoming Most Powerful Women Summit scheduled for October 13-15, 2025, at The Salamander in Washington, D.C. promises to further explore the challenges and opportunities women leaders face today.

About Fortune

Fortune is a globally respected media company dedicated to delivering award-winning journalism on business topics. It tracks corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, holds companies accountable, and spotlights innovative leaders across various sectors. Its well-known rankings, including Fortune 500 and Most Powerful Women, serve to highlight excellence in business and leadership.

For further details, readers are encouraged to visit Fortune's official website for the latest information and insights into the world of business leadership.