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Fortune's 2025 Most Powerful Women in Business List

On May 20, 2025, Fortune released its latest installment of the Most Powerful Women in Business list, showcasing 100 exceptional female leaders from diverse sectors including finance, technology, healthcare, telecommunications, and retail. This annual recognition honors women who are currently wielding significant influence in their industries as well as those who are set to climb even higher in the business world.

A Competitive Landscape

This 28th edition reveals a total of 100 remarkable women, 52 of whom hail from the United States, while the remaining 48 represent various countries including China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and more. This year's list demonstrates the increasing global impact of women in leadership roles. Notably, 8 women from China, 7 each from France and the U.K., and representation from 9 other countries are included. This reflects a shift towards a more diverse and international recognition of female leaders.

The editors of Fortune carefully curated this list based on multiple criteria, including the size and health of the companies these leaders manage, their career trajectories, innovative contributions, and their commitment to enhancing business practices. Although over 50 women presently lead Fortune 500 companies, only 19 made the cut for this year's list, highlighting the fierce competition among top businesswomen.

Noteworthy Honorees

Among the list, Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, retains her top position, demonstrating exceptional leadership and resilience in navigating challenges, especially amid the evolving landscape of the auto industry. Following her are Julie Sweet of Accenture and Jane Fraser of Citigroup, who also command attention due to their significant roles in multinational firms. The top ten list encapsulates a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers:

1. Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, GM (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, Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Investments (U.S.)
10. Meng Wanzhou, Deputy Chairwoman, Huawei (China)

This year's list also marks the entrance of 16 newcomers, including Claudine Adamo from Costco and ByteDance's CFO Julie Gao, demonstrating a shift towards recognizing new talent in traditional spaces. Furthermore, returning figures such as Michelle Gass prove that leadership and innovation remain strong across different organizations.

Global Summit Premiere

The announcement of this prestigious list coincides with the inaugural MPW International Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcasing Fortune’s commitment to celebrating female leadership on a global scale. This summit will serve as a conduit for discussion among influential figures and future leaders, creating a platform for sharing ideas and fostering connections.

In the words of Alyson Shontell, Fortune's Editor in Chief, “This iconic list includes almost half from outside the U.S., reminding us that the impact of women is being seen globally.” The 2025 edition serves not just as a recognition of power but as a testament to the transformative influence women have on both business and society as a whole.

Looking ahead, Fortune also invites participation in the 2025 Most Powerful Women Summit scheduled for October 13-15 at The Salamander in Washington, D.C. This gathering aims to further the discussions surrounding women in leadership and the evolving landscape of business.

For more insights about this influential list and to stay updated on the upcoming summit, visit fortune.com.