Forbes announced its 17th annual ranking of The World’s Most Powerful Women recently. According to Forbes, “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List Spotlights Female Leaders, Entrepreneurs, CEOs Who Are Using Their Power And Resources To Make A Lasting Impact Around The World.”
“From our first-ever female vice president-elect to the incoming first female CEO of a Wall Street bank, the women on this year’s list are shaping history in unprecedented ways,” said Maggie McGrath, editor of ForbesWomen. “The leaders, founders and philanthropists on the 2020 Power Women list are global models for steady and thoughtful leadership amid a crisis. Their continued power and influence in 2021 will help make the world a healthier and safer place for all citizens.”
Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel topped the list for the 10th consecutive year. This was also her 15th appearance on the coveted list. The first woman President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde was second on the list whereas Vice-President elect of the United States, Kamala Harris was at number three.
Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman president of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, was at number four while co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates was on number five, rounding off the top five.
Other women world leaders that featured on the list were the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern (32); President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen (37); Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina (39); Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman (41); Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg (52); and Prime Minister of Belgium, Sophie Wilmes (71).
In terms of business leaders, some prominent faces that featured on the list were Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors (6); Gail Boudreaux, the CEO and President of Anthem (10); Carol Tome, the CEO of United Parcel Service (11); Emma Walmsley, the CEO of GlaxoSmithKline (12); and Julie Sweet, the CEO of Accenture (14).
From the world of media and entertainment, famous TV show host, Oprah Winfrey was listed at number 20, singer Rihanna was on number 69, while singer and performer Beyonce was listed on number 72.
While 30-year-old singer Taylor Swift was the youngest on the list, the 94-year-old Queen Elizabeth was the oldest.
To read more about all the women on the list, click here.
