Top 10 Women Leaders in Manufacturing

Although manufacturing has been a male-dominated industry historically, women are making a significant impact and breaking through the glass ceiling in this sector. Women leaders are proving their capabilities and driving growth and innovation in areas ranging from automotive to food and beverage. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 women leaders in manufacturing who have made noteworthy contributions to the industry.

Sandra Peterson  

Former Group Worldwide Chairman of Johnson & Johnson Sandra Peterson is a seasoned executive who has held leadership positions in various industries, including healthcare, consumer goods, and manufacturing. She served as the Group Worldwide Chairman of Johnson & Johnson and led the company's medical device business. She also oversaw the company's supply chain and helped streamline its operations, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

Indra Nooyi

Indra Nooyi, who previously held the position of CEO at PepsiCo, Inc., is a trailblazer in the food and beverage industry. During her tenure, she successfully diversified the company's product offerings and led its expansion into emerging markets. Moreover, she was a vocal advocate for sustainability and corporate responsibility, spearheading PepsiCo's initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint and enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide.

Ursula Burns  

Ursula Burns, who served as CEO of Xerox Corporation, made history as the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company when she was appointed in 2009. She began her career as an intern at Xerox and worked her way up through the ranks, ultimately becoming CEO. During her time in leadership, she spearheaded the company's transformation from a traditional copier manufacturer to a technology services provider.

Lynn Good

CEO of Duke Energy Corporation Lynn Good is the CEO of Duke Energy Corporation, one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. She has been with the company for over 15 years and has held various leadership positions. Under her leadership, Duke Energy has made significant investments in renewable energy and has worked to modernize its infrastructure.

Denise Morrison  

Former CEO of Campbell Soup Company Denise Morrison is a veteran of the food industry and served as the CEO of Campbell Soup Company from 2011 to 2018. She oversaw the company's transformation from a traditional soup manufacturer to a diversified food and beverage company. She also championed diversity and inclusion, driving initiatives to increase the representation of women and minorities in the company's leadership ranks.

Marillyn Hewson

Marillyn Hewson is a well-known business executive who previously served as the CEO of Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace and defense company. She joined the company in 1983 and rose through the ranks to become the CEO in 2013, succeeding Chris Kubasik. During her tenure as CEO, Hewson oversaw the development of several important projects, including the F-35 fighter jet and the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter. She also led the company's efforts to expand into new markets, including energy and cybersecurity.

Ilene Gordon

Ilene Gordon is a highly regarded business executive who previously served as the CEO of Ingredion Incorporated, a global ingredients solutions provider. Gordon joined the company in 2009 and served as CEO until her retirement in 2018. Gordon oversaw the company's transformation from a corn processing company to a diversified ingredients provider. She drove growth and innovation through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, expanding the company's offerings beyond traditional food ingredients.

Carol Meyrowitz

Carol Meyrowitz is a respected retail industry executive who was the CEO of TJX Companies, the parent company of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, from 2007 to 2016. Under her leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest off-price retailers in the world, with over 4,000 stores in multiple countries. Meyrowitz's leadership was marked by her focus on customer experience and operational efficiency. She spearheaded initiatives to improve in-store and online shopping experiences and to streamline supply chain and logistics processes.

Patricia Woertz

Patricia Woertz is a highly accomplished business executive who served as the CEO of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), one of the world's largest agribusiness companies, from 2006 to 2014. During her tenure, Woertz oversaw significant growth and expansion of the company, as well as its diversification into new markets and products. Under her leadership, ADM focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility, implementing initiatives to reduce the company's environmental impact and improve the welfare of farmers and communities around the world. Woertz was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, driving efforts to increase the representation of women and minorities in leadership positions.

Ellen Kullman

Ellen Kullman is a respected business executive who was the CEO of DuPont, a global science and technology company, from 2009 to 2015. Kullman led the company's transformation into a diversified technology solutions provider, driving growth in areas such as renewable energy and advanced materials. Kullman's leadership was marked by her focus on innovation and research. She spearheaded efforts to develop new products and technologies, including the Kevlar lightweight fiber used in protective clothing and Nomex flame-resistant materials used in the aerospace industry.

These women leaders in manufacturing have broken through the glass ceiling and made significant contributions to their respective industries. They have proven that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated industries and drive growth and innovation. Their leadership and achievements serve as an inspiration to the next generation of women leaders and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.