Sun Sep 27, 2026 | Updated 05:19 PM IST

7 Women CEOs Who Put India On The Global Business Map

Discover seven iconic women CEOs who placed India on the global business map through pioneering leadership in technology, finance, retail, and biopharmaceuticals.
Updated:- 2026-08-12, 17:01 IST
7 Women CEOs Who Put India On The Global Business Map

India’s business leaders keep playing their role in transforming international markets, leading technology innovations, and guiding multinational corporations. Among the leaders leading such changes are visionary female CEOs who have smashed corporate glass ceilings within finance, technology, fashion, and science industries. Strategic foresight from them has created multi-billion-dollar companies and ensured that India is recognised internationally as a business entity.

7 Women CEOs Who Put India On The Global Business Map

Here are seven women CEOs who are recognised worldwide as business leaders.

Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo)

Nooyi was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo for many years before leaving her position. She became the pioneer of sustainable development with her ‘Performance with Purpose’ approach, thereby becoming a global corporate legend.

Meet Indra — Indra Nooyi

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon)

This woman is a pioneer in India's biotechnology industry, having started the company Biocon from her garage to become a globally recognised biopharmaceutical company providing affordable biotherapeutics to the world.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw gets 'Jamsetji Tata Award' for pioneering biosciences  movement, ETPharma

Leena Nair (Chanel)

Having worked as the CHRO for the multinational corporation Unilever, Nair then made news worldwide when she became the Global CEO of the famous French luxury fashion brand Chanel, thus showcasing the capabilities of Indians in global retail.

Leena Nair, the CEO of Chanel :Trailblazer's Tale of India's Leading Female  Business Icon

ALSO READ- 9 Female Artists Who Received Padma Shri For Their Contribution To Indian Cinema

Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCLTech)

She is the Chairperson of HCLTech and has become the first Indian woman chairperson of an IT company. Under her leadership, HCLTech has experienced immense growth.

HCL's Roshni Nadar Malhotra Is Known For Her Philanthropy | Femina.in

Falguni Nayar (Nykaa)

Having had a successful stint in the domain of investment banking, Nayar started Nykaa and developed it to be an e-commerce beauty and lifestyle unicorn which transformed Indian retail in the international arena.

Nykaa's Founder And CEO Falguni Nayar Talks About Building Her Empire |  Femina.in

Chanda Kochhar (ICICI Bank)

Once an important player in the retail banking industry of India, she climbed up the ladder to become the CEO of ICICI Bank, thus increasing its presence internationally.

Sebi Favours Adjudication Proceedings Against ICICI Bank, Chanda Kochhar

Zarin Daruwala (Standard Chartered Bank India)

In her position as the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank India, she has been instrumental in driving the growth phases of one of the largest foreign banks in the country.


ALSO READ- 7 Women Scientists Who Received Padma Shri For Their Contribution To India

Conclusion

Their success stories prove that talent, strength, and strategising on the part of Indians have the potential to dominate the world of business. Their legacies still serve to motivate many upcoming generations of female corporate leaders across the globe.

Image credits: Instagram

To read more such stories, stay connected to Her Zindagi.

FAQ
Q1: Who was the first Indian-born woman to lead a Fortune 50 company?
Indra Nooyi became one of the most prominent Indian-born female CEOs when she took the helm at PepsiCo in 2006.
Q2: Which Indian woman CEO founded a global luxury fashion house?
Leena Nair was appointed Global CEO of the French luxury brand Chanel in 2021.
Q3: How did Falguni Nayar impact Indian global entrepreneurship?
By founding Nykaa, she built a self-made e-commerce empire, taking it public and becoming one of India's wealthiest self-made female billionaires.
Disclaimer

Our aim is to provide accurate, safe and expert verified information through our articles and social media handles. The remedies, advice and tips mentioned here are for general information only. Please consult your expert before trying any kind of health, beauty, life hacks or astrology related tips. For any feedback or complaint, contact us at compliant_gro@jagrannewmedia.com.