2024 Influential Women List: Redefining Leadership Across Sectors
1. Ursula von der Leyen (66, Germany) – Politics & Policy
As President of the European Commission, von der Leyen’s transformative leadership in addressing climate change, digitalization, and European unity continues to set a global benchmark.
2. Taylor Swift (34, United States) – Media & Entertainment
Swift’s impact transcends music. With her record-breaking Eras Tour and advocacy for artists’ rights, she redefines the intersection of art, commerce, and influence.
3. Christine Lagarde (68, France) – Politics & Policy
As the President of the European Central Bank, Lagarde leads the charge in stabilizing the Eurozone, implementing bold monetary policies in uncertain times.
4. Melinda French Gates (60, United States) – Philanthropy
Gates continues her philanthropic crusade, empowering women globally through health, education, and economic initiatives. Her vision for equality is unparalleled.
5. Giorgia Meloni (47, Italy) – Politics & Policy
Italy’s first female Prime Minister is navigating a politically divided Europe with pragmatism and determination, breaking barriers and setting new precedents.
6. MacKenzie Scott (54, United States) – Philanthropy
Scott’s philanthropy is rewriting the playbook, donating billions in unrestricted funds to empower marginalized communities worldwide.
7. Kamala Harris (60, United States) – Politics & Policy
Harris’s groundbreaking role as the first female Vice President of the United States continues to inspire as she navigates complex domestic and international issues.
8. Mary Barra (62, United States) – Business
The CEO of General Motors is leading the transition to electric vehicles, positioning GM as a leader in sustainable transportation.
9. Karen Lynch (60, United States) – Business
As CEO of CVS Health, Lynch is transforming the healthcare landscape, prioritizing accessibility and innovation during critical global challenges.
10. Jane Fraser (57, United States) – Finance
Fraser, the CEO of Citigroup, is steering one of the world’s largest banks through digital transformation and fostering a culture of sustainability and inclusivity.
11. Beyoncé Knowles (43, United States) – Media & Entertainment
With her Renaissance tour, Beyoncé sets new records while championing inclusivity, culture, and female empowerment through her music and business ventures.
12. Kristalina Georgieva (71, Bulgaria) – Politics & Policy
The Managing Director of the IMF continues to navigate global economic recovery with a focus on equity, sustainability, and financial stability.
13. Emma Walmsley (55, United Kingdom) – Business
Walmsley’s leadership at GlaxoSmithKline highlights innovation in healthcare, particularly with advancements in vaccines and life-saving medications.
14. Safra Catz (62, United States) – Technology
As Oracle’s CEO, Catz is redefining the tech landscape, driving innovation in cloud computing and enterprise solutions.
15. Abigail Johnson (62, United States) – Finance
As the CEO of Fidelity Investments, Johnson’s strategic leadership is empowering a new generation of investors, particularly through digital tools.
16. Ana Patricia Botín (64, Spain) – Finance
Botín’s stewardship of Santander Group is focused on advancing digital banking and financial inclusivity across Europe and Latin America.
17. Ruth Porat (67, United States) – Technology
As CFO of Alphabet, Porat is at the helm of fiscal strategy for Google’s ambitious projects, balancing profitability and innovation.
18. Melinda Perkins (37, Australia) – Business
The co-founder of Canva is changing the creative landscape, making design accessible to millions globally with simplicity and innovation.
19. Gwynne Shotwell (61, United States) – Technology
As President and COO of SpaceX, Shotwell’s vision is integral to the success of commercial space exploration and technological advancements.
20. Mette Frederiksen (47, Denmark) – Politics & Policy
Denmark’s Prime Minister is shaping policies on sustainability, immigration, and economic recovery, reinforcing her role as a leading European stateswoman.
21. Oprah Winfrey (70, United States) – Media & Entertainment
Oprah remains a powerful force in media, leveraging her platform for social change and inspiring millions with her thought-provoking interviews and philanthropy.
22. Laurene Powell Jobs (61, United States) – Philanthropy
Powell Jobs continues to impact education and immigration reform through Emerson Collective, championing systemic change and innovation.
23. Rihanna (36, Barbados) – Media & Entertainment
Rihanna’s influence spans music, fashion, and beauty, with her Fenty brands championing inclusivity and reshaping global beauty standards.
24. Nirmala Sitharaman (65, India) – Politics & Policy
India’s Finance Minister plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic strategies, focusing on growth, sustainability, and global partnerships.
25. MacKenzie Scott (54, United States) – Philanthropy
Known for her transformative donations, Scott continues her mission to create a more equitable world by supporting underserved communities.
26. Sandy Ran Xu (47, China) – Business
CEO of Ant Group, Xu spearheads financial innovation, leveraging technology to make banking accessible for underserved regions globally.
27. Janet Yellen (78, United States) – Politics & Policy
As U.S. Treasury Secretary, Yellen remains a key figure in global economic recovery, tackling inflation and advocating for inclusive growth.
28. Sarah London (44, United States) – Business
London’s leadership in healthcare is instrumental in driving equitable access and innovation across critical medical sectors.
29. Beyoncé Knowles (43, United States) – Media & Entertainment
With her artistic and business acumen, Beyoncé continues to dominate entertainment and advocate for cultural and gender equality.
30. Phebe Novakovic (67, United States) – Business
As CEO of General Dynamics, Novakovic’s strategic vision solidifies her as a defense industry titan.
31. Catherine MacGregor (52, France) – Business
MacGregor leads Engie, focusing on renewable energy solutions and spearheading Europe’s transition to sustainable energy.
32. Shari Redstone (70, United States) – Media & Entertainment
As Chairwoman of Paramount Global, Redstone is shaping the future of media with a focus on streaming and storytelling.
33. Zuzana Čaputová (51, Slovakia) – Politics & Policy
Slovakia’s first female president is a beacon of progressive leadership, advocating for human rights and climate justice.
34. Linda Thomas-Greenfield (72, United States) – Politics & Policy
The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. plays a pivotal role in fostering global diplomacy and addressing pressing humanitarian issues.
35. Lisa Su (55, United States) – Technology
Su’s leadership at AMD has revolutionized the tech industry, positioning the company as a leader in high-performance computing.
36. Donna Langley (56, United Kingdom) – Media & Entertainment
Chair of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Langley drives innovation in content creation and global distribution.
37. Ruth Porat (67, United States) – Technology
Alphabet’s CFO remains a leading figure in tech, driving fiscal strategy and prioritizing sustainability in business operations.
38. Ana Patricia Botín (64, Spain) – Finance
Under Botín, Banco Santander continues to lead in digital innovation, offering inclusive banking solutions worldwide.
39. Gwynne Shotwell (61, United States) – Technology
As COO of SpaceX, Shotwell is instrumental in making space exploration commercially viable and sustainable.
40. Jessica Tan (47, Singapore) – Business
Co-CEO of Ping An Insurance, Tan integrates technology and financial services to redefine insurance in Asia.
41. Melanie Kreis (53, Germany) – Business
Kreis is pivotal in Deutsche Post DHL Group’s sustainability strategies, advancing global logistics innovation.
42. Tsai Ing-wen (68, Taiwan) – Politics & Policy
Taiwan’s President continues to advocate for democracy and technological innovation while navigating complex geopolitical challenges.
43. Kathryn McLay (50, United States) – Business
As CEO of Sam’s Club, McLay is enhancing consumer experiences and advancing digital retail innovations.
44. Safra Catz (62, United States) – Technology
Oracle’s CEO drives cloud computing advancements, making it a leader in enterprise solutions.
45. Emma Walmsley (55, United Kingdom) – Business
Walmsley’s leadership at GlaxoSmithKline highlights a commitment to healthcare innovation, especially in vaccines.
46. Melanie Perkins (37, Australia) – Business
Canva’s co-founder continues to democratize design, empowering businesses and individuals globally.
47. Gina Rinehart (70, Australia) – Business
Australia’s wealthiest woman remains a key player in the mining and agriculture sectors, championing economic growth.
48. Laurene Powell Jobs (61, United States) – Philanthropy
Jobs’ focus on education and immigration reform through Emerson Collective is driving systemic change.
49. Mary Barra (62, United States) – Business
General Motors’ CEO leads the charge toward electric vehicles and sustainable manufacturing.
50. Gail Boudreaux (64, United States) – Business
Anthem’s CEO prioritizes healthcare innovation, ensuring equitable access and affordability.
51. Robyn Denholm (61, Australia) – Business
Denholm, as Chair of Tesla, plays a crucial role in steering the electric vehicle industry and ensuring the company’s sustainability goals.
52. Bela Bajaria (53, United States) – Media & Entertainment
The Chief Content Officer at Netflix, Bajaria has transformed the streaming platform with diverse programming and global hits.
53. Kristalina Georgieva (71, Bulgaria) – Politics & Policy
Georgieva, as Managing Director of the IMF, has been instrumental in navigating economic recovery efforts globally post-pandemic.
54. Amy Hood (52, United States) – Technology
Microsoft’s CFO, Hood, is critical in driving the tech giant’s growth and transitioning to cloud-based solutions.
55. Thasunda Brown Duckett (51, United States) – Finance
As CEO of TIAA, Duckett continues to advocate for financial literacy and equitable retirement solutions.
56. Oprah Winfrey (70, United States) – Media & Entertainment
Beyond her media empire, Oprah’s philanthropic efforts continue to empower communities and drive meaningful societal change.
57. Laurene Powell Jobs (61, United States) – Philanthropy
Her impact extends through investments in education and advocacy for immigrants via the Emerson Collective.
58. Rihanna (36, Barbados) – Media & Entertainment
Beyond music, Rihanna’s beauty and fashion brands disrupt norms with their inclusivity and bold creativity.
59. Ruth Porat (67, United States) – Technology
Porat, Alphabet’s CFO, is a key strategist, advancing innovation and fiscal sustainability in one of the world’s largest tech companies.
60. Jessica Tan (47, Singapore) – Business
Tan drives financial transformation in Asia with a unique blend of technology and customer-centric solutions as co-CEO of Ping An Group.
61. Margherita Della Valle (59, Italy) – Business
Vodafone’s first female CEO, Della Valle focuses on digital transformation and strategic global growth.
62. Mary Callahan Erdoes (57, United States) – Finance
Erdoes leads J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management, redefining financial strategies and empowering clients worldwide.
63. Linda Thomas-Greenfield (72, United States) – Politics & Policy
The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations remains a key figure in fostering peace and addressing global crises.
64. Lisa Su (55, United States) – Technology
As CEO of AMD, Su has significantly increased the company’s market share in semiconductors, empowering tech innovations worldwide.
65. Tricia Griffith (60, United States) – Business
As CEO of Progressive, Griffith has made insurance more accessible and consumer-friendly.
66. Catherine MacGregor (52, France) – Business
Under MacGregor’s leadership, ENGIE focuses on renewable energy solutions that power Europe’s green transition.
67. Ana Patricia Botín (64, Spain) – Finance
Botín champions inclusive banking and digital innovation as Executive Chair of Banco Santander.
68. Beyoncé Knowles (43, United States) – Media & Entertainment
A cultural icon, Beyoncé balances chart-topping hits with bold activism for gender and racial equality.
69. Gina Rinehart (70, Australia) – Business
Rinehart is pivotal in Australia’s mining and agriculture industries, advocating for economic development.
70. Zuzana Čaputová (51, Slovakia) – Politics & Policy
Slovakia’s President inspires globally with her emphasis on climate justice and progressive reforms.
71. Gwynne Shotwell (61, United States) – Technology
As President and COO of SpaceX, Shotwell is integral to the company’s groundbreaking missions and advancements in space exploration.
72. Sarah London (44, United States) – Business
CEO of Centene, London oversees one of the largest healthcare enterprises, focusing on accessible healthcare services.
73. Emma Walmsley (55, United Kingdom) – Business
The CEO of GSK, Walmsley drives global health solutions with a focus on innovative vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
74. Ho Ching (71, Singapore) – Finance
Former head of Temasek, Ho Ching has shaped investment strategies critical to Singapore’s economic stability.
75. Beyoncé Knowles (43, United States) – Media & Entertainment
A global superstar, Beyoncé uses her platform for empowerment through music, business ventures, and activism.
76. Rihanna (36, Barbados) – Media & Entertainment
Her Fenty empire and philanthropy underscore Rihanna’s influence in entertainment, beauty, and beyond.
77. Sandy Ran Xu (47, China) – Business
The CFO of e-commerce giant JD.com, Xu has been instrumental in the company’s financial growth and expansion.
78. Laurene Powell Jobs (61, United States) – Philanthropy
A staunch advocate for social reform, Jobs leverages her wealth to fund education and immigration causes.
79. Melanie Perkins (37, Australia) – Technology
Perkins revolutionized design accessibility as the CEO and co-founder of Canva, empowering creators globally.
80. Tsai Ing-wen (68, Taiwan) – Politics & Policy
Taiwan’s President continues to champion democracy and technology-driven economic progress in the region.
81. Linda Thomas-Greenfield (72, United States) – Politics & Policy
As the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, her diplomacy emphasizes human rights and international cooperation.
82. Ruth Porat (67, United States) – Technology
Google’s CFO, Porat has guided Alphabet’s global strategy with consistent financial success and innovation.
83. Jane Fraser (57, United States) – Finance
As CEO of Citigroup, Fraser is breaking barriers as the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank.
84. Margherita Della Valle (59, Italy) – Business
CEO of Vodafone, she drives the company’s focus on connectivity and sustainability in telecommunications.
85. Mackenzie Scott (54, United States) – Philanthropy
Scott’s philanthropic giving has set records, focusing on equity, education, and environmental issues.
86. Karen Lynch (60, United States) – Business
Lynch’s leadership at CVS Health prioritizes affordable healthcare solutions across the U.S.
87. Catherine MacGregor (52, France) – Business
MacGregor’s role at ENGIE underscores her dedication to sustainable energy and global infrastructure.
88. Jessica Tan (47, Singapore) – Business
Tan transforms the financial landscape with her innovative work as co-CEO of Ping An Insurance.
89. Gina Rinehart (70, Australia) – Business
A key figure in mining and agriculture, Rinehart remains a leading advocate for economic growth in Australia.
90. Amy Hood (52, United States) – Technology
Hood’s financial strategies at Microsoft continue to revolutionize enterprise technology and cloud computing.
91. Janet Yellen (78, United States) – Politics & Policy
As the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Yellen is a leading figure in shaping national and international economic policy.
92. Nirmala Sitharaman (65, India) – Politics & Policy
India’s Finance Minister plays a pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic strategy and fiscal policy reforms.
93. Oprah Winfrey (70, United States) – Media & Entertainment
A media mogul and philanthropist, Oprah continues to inspire through her storytelling and impactful initiatives.
94. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (70, Nigeria) – Politics & Policy
As Director-General of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala champions global trade equity and sustainable economic policies.
95. Thasunda Brown Duckett (51, United States) – Finance
CEO of TIAA, Duckett is reshaping financial security and retirement solutions for millions of Americans.
96. Zuzana Čaputová (51, Slovakia) – Politics & Policy
Slovakia’s President is celebrated for her environmental advocacy and progressive leadership in Europe.
97. Robyn Denholm (61, Australia) – Business
As Chair of Tesla, Denholm drives innovation in renewable energy and electric vehicles on a global scale.
98. Gwynne Shotwell (61, United States) – Technology
Shotwell’s leadership at SpaceX propels space exploration and commercial spaceflight advancements.
99. Laurene Powell Jobs (61, United States) – Philanthropy
Jobs leverages her wealth for transformative projects in education, climate, and social justice.
100. Rihanna (36, Barbados) – Media & Entertainment
Beyond her music, Rihanna’s Fenty brands redefine beauty and fashion with inclusivity and innovation.
