The 21st edition of Business Today’s Most Powerful Women in Business was a tribute to India’s transformative female leaders, who are charting a bold course for the future of Indian business. This annual celebration was dedicated to the exceptional women reshaping industries, breaking barriers, and challenging conventional norms. The event honoured these visionaries, whose journeys inspire generations and whose achievements resonate as a beacon of innovation and progress.
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This year, Business Today recognised 60 outstanding women leaders across various sectors. The list introduced 12 new faces, showcasing the growing diversity and dynamism of female leadership in India. Alongside these new honourees, four returning achievers highlighted the consistent excellence and evolution in their fields. Two trailblazing leaders were inducted into the prestigious “MPW Hall of Fame,” having earned a record seven-time win, underscoring their profound and enduring impact on the business landscape.
As industry role models and catalysts for change, these leaders set benchmarks not only for women, but for all in the business world. Their stories are filled with resilience and courage. And that is why these esteemed women leaders have been featured in Business Today’s list of Most Powerful Women in Business in 2024.
Here’s a look at the full list of winners:
Schauna Chauhan, CEO, Parle Agro: At the peak of the pandemic, Schauna Chauhan decided to enter the dairy business. It is a decision that has played out well on the back of the Smoodh Brand being priced affordably. Her company is synonymous with Frooti and Appy Fizz and this diversification promises to be interesting. Ms Chauhan is a seven-time MPW winner
Ananya Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Svatantra Microfinance: Starting Svatantra at just 17, Ananya Birla has overseen its growth from modest beginnings to an AUM of Rs 14,437 crore as of March 2024. The acquisition of Chaitanya Fin Credit and partnerships with marquee investors have elevated Svatantra’s profile significantly.
Prabha Narasimhan, MD and CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India): There’s more freshness at Colgate-Palmolive (India) ever since Prabha Narasimhan took charge. A relentless focus on product innovation has led to successful launches and relaunches. A commanding share of the oral care market is not enough as she sees opportunities in other high-growth areas.
Prativa Mohapatra, VP and Managing Director, Adobe India: After making her mark at IBM, Prativa Mohapatra joined Adobe during a critical growth phase in India. She has managed to strike transformative partnerships and usher in a collaborative team culture. GenAI to her is about being at its forefront.
Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare: The transition of Metropolis from a family-run business to one that is professionally managed easily stands out as one of Ameera Shah’s successes. The organisation has adapted well to the digital world and got better in the business of advanced diagnostics. The hunger for growth keeps it going.
Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, Indian Angel Network: An early entrant into the Indian investment space, Padmaja Ruparel’s Indian Angel Network is a name of prominence. The group has not just invested money, but created over 1,00,000 jobs. The network is looking to invest in innovative solutions that solve real problems.
Shefali Goradia, Chairperson, Deloitte South Asia: Over three decades of experience in international tax is only one of Shefali Goradia’s litany of achievements. When she took charge as Chairperson of Deloitte South Asia in April 2023, it was the first instance of a woman to be elected as chair of a Big 4 firm in India.
Shweta Jalan, Managing Partner and Head, Advent International in India: Private equity to Shweta Jalan is all about learning. It allows her to explore a host of businesses and the search is always on for those with scale. She has been instrumental in Advent India building expertise in healthcare, consumer, industrials and financial services.
Suman Mishra, MD and CEO, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility: In a male-dominated automotive industry, Suman Mishra stands out. Under her leadership, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility has seen fourfold growth in the past two years. The big news this year has been the unveiling of e-Zeo, a compact EV
Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO, Edelweiss AMC: Radhika Gupta oversees an AUM of Rs 1.4 lakh crore at Edelweiss Mutual Fund. There have been innovative product launches and a larger geographic presence serving 18,000 pin codes. She sees rapid growth in smaller locations and by the looks of it, it is an action-packed future
Ritu Arora, CEO and CIO, Allianz Investment Management, Asia Pacific: After being the founding member of two insurance companies, Ritu Gangrade Arora’s eight-year stint at Allianz Investment Management has her leading the Asia hub. That is an AUM of USD 50 billion across 21 operating entities in 12 countries
Hina Nagarajan, CEO, Diageo India: Hina Nagarajan has successfully led a challenging turnaround at Diageo India and now with a smart move to premiumisation, places the company on the growth path. Revenue and profitability have soared since then.
Nirupa Shankar, Joint MD, Brigade Group: For FY24, operating revenue was up 42%, while net profit zoomed 80%. It has pleased Nirupa Shankar, who steers the commercial and hotels businesses. She is tasked with leasing out 100% of its office portfolio despite being located in special economic zones. A big plus is in the growth of the hotel portfolio.
Pavitra Shankar, MD, Brigade Group: Pavitra Shankar oversees the Brigade Group’s residential development business, a market that will continue to boom in the backdrop of higher discretionary spending. The numbers tell the story with residential sales for Brigade up 5 times from 2018 and also betting big on Hyderabad and Chennai.
Devita Saraf, Chairperson and CEO, Vu Group: Devita Saraf was just 24 when Vu Group got into manufacturing premium televisions to take on the global giants. Now, the business has moved to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of Africa. The approach is old school topped up with new technology.
Bina Modi, CMD, Godfrey Phillips India: Bina Modi, a multi-faceted leader as a restaurateur, fashion designer, and salon owner, also heads India’s second-largest tobacco company. She believes, “A woman can do anything a man can do and do it better.”
Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group: Jyotsna Suri became the Chairperson and Managing Director in 2006 of the Lalit Suri Group. Today, “The LaLiT” is one of the leading privately-owned domestic hotel brands in India. Despite pandemic challenges, the group is back on track with plans for new properties.
Since its inception in 2003, Business Today’s Most Powerful Women in Business award has been more than just an accolade; it is a testament to the remarkable contributions women bring to the business community. This year’s honourees stand as shining examples of the heights that passion and perseverance can reach, inspiring both peers and aspiring leaders to follow their paths.
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