By Mariah Benson, Senior Correspondent
In a year marked by profound corporate reinvention and global transformation, Fortune’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business shines a spotlight on the female leaders at the helm of progress. These women are driving change, defying expectations, and crafting new paradigms for success in industries once dominated by men.
From boardrooms in Detroit to digital headquarters in Singapore, these executives are not only managing billion-dollar portfolios—they are setting new standards for leadership, ethics, and vision in the 21st century.
Mary Barra: Steering General Motors into the Future
Claiming the number one spot for the fifth time, Mary Barra, CEO and Chair of General Motors, continues to define what it means to lead in turbulent times. Her strategic focus on electrification and innovation has turned GM into a serious contender in the race toward zero-emissions mobility.
Under Barra’s stewardship, the company has committed tens of billions of dollars to electric vehicle (EV) production and autonomous technology. She has also prioritized sustainability in GM’s supply chain, advocating for responsible sourcing of battery materials and minimizing the environmental impact of production.
Beyond the numbers, Barra’s leadership style—rooted in accountability and empathy—has fostered a strong internal culture, making GM one of the most admired employers in the U.S.
Julie Sweet: Leading a Digital Revolution at Accenture
Ranked second is Julie Sweet, the formidable Chair and CEO of Accenture. Sweet’s tenure has been defined by bold bets on digital technologies and a relentless push for inclusive workplace strategies. Under her guidance, Accenture has become a global authority in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity services.
Sweet has been especially vocal about the need for continuous learning, driving initiatives to retrain thousands of employees in high-demand skills. Her commitment to gender equity is evident in Accenture’s internal goals, which aim for full representation of women in executive roles by the end of the decade.
In a world increasingly reliant on tech, Sweet’s vision is not just about growth—it’s about equitable access to opportunity and innovation.
Jane Fraser: Reshaping Global Finance
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, secures the third position, marking a continued era of transformation for the multinational financial giant. The first woman to lead a major U.S. bank, Fraser’s historic appointment in 2021 signaled a cultural shift in finance. Since then, she has led a bold restructuring of Citi, cutting underperforming units and doubling down on profitable core operations.
Fraser has also prioritized environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, helping steer the bank’s capital toward sustainable development initiatives around the globe. Her leadership during volatile economic periods has demonstrated calm, discipline, and a forward-thinking ethos.
As she continues to modernize the bank’s infrastructure and digital services, Fraser is ensuring Citi remains relevant—and competitive—in an evolving financial landscape.
Rising Stars and Global Influence
This year’s rankings introduce several emerging leaders who are breaking barriers in their fields. Claudine Adamo of Costco, for example, is praised for maintaining low prices amidst record inflation, demonstrating agility and compassion in equal measure. Julie Gao, the Chief Financial Officer at ByteDance, has been instrumental in navigating global regulatory pressures and steering the company toward a stable financial future.
What sets these women apart is not just their corporate prowess but their deep commitment to ethical leadership, community engagement, and long-term vision.
A Worldwide Celebration of Leadership
Of the 100 women on the list, 52 are based in the United States, while 48 hail from regions across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The growing geographic diversity highlights the increasing prevalence of women in high-impact roles on the international stage.
The selection process evaluates multiple metrics, including the size and performance of each woman’s organization, her career trajectory, and her cultural influence. But perhaps the most telling metric of all is impact—how these leaders shape the businesses and communities around them.
