Most Powerful Women

This definitive ranking of the women at the top of the global business world—now in its 28th year—tells us both who wields power today and who is poised to climb even higher tomorrow. While the Most Powerful Women list has always been data-driven, with executives chosen based on the size and health of their businesses or P&Ls, this year it is even more so. For the first time, Fortune relied on a more complex scoring system, a methodology we introduced with our first Most Powerful People list in 2024. It gives an edge to CEOs—and those vying to succeed CEOs—so some familiar C-suite names in other roles fall further down the list than in years past. 

While more than 50 women lead Fortune 500 companies, only 20 Fortune 500 CEOs are on our list—a reflection of just how competitive it has become. Just over half the list is made up of women working in the U.S.; 48 are based in other nations, with 19 countries and territories represented. Sixteen executives are newcomers, and the rest range from seasoned veterans to next-gen execs. Read more about the 2025 list at the link below.