Fortune’s Most Powerful People (MPP) list reveals the stark gender gap in the business world, with only 18 women among the 100 ranked individuals. Dominated by male titans like Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Satya Nadella, the list highlights the limited representation of women despite their growing influence.
The highest-ranked woman, GM CEO Mary Barra, secured the No. 9 spot, reflecting her significant impact as a leader. Other notable women include Julie Sweet of Accenture, Emma Walmsley of GSK, and Lisa Su of AMD. In contrast to the MPW list, which spotlights emerging women leaders, the MPP list prioritizes current global influence, often favoring CEOs over potential successors.
Fortune emphasizes the importance of continuing to track and celebrate women’s leadership progress, as women currently run only 10% of Fortune 500 companies. While the MPP list mirrors today’s realities, platforms like the MPW list remain crucial for showcasing women poised to shape the future of business.