USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Reshma Kewalramani, a trailblazing Indian-American executive, has been named one of the world’s 100 most powerful people in business by Fortune magazine. Ranked at number 62, Kewalramani, who leads Vertex Pharmaceuticals, makes her debut on the influential list alongside global business heavyweights like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Google’s Sundar Pichai. Kewalramani’s entry into the Fortune 100 list is noteworthy because she is the first woman to head a major US biotechnology company. Her honor recognizes not just her biotech leadership but also her larger impact on the future of global healthcare innovation. Her inclusion on the list demonstrates the rising influence of Indian-origin executives in global industry.
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This year’s Fortune list focuses on executives whose leadership is actively influencing the direction of global commerce. While financial standing is considered, the emphasis is on vision, decision-making power, and the ability to drive major change. As Fortune explains, “This list measures power and influence. Net worth plays a role, but we’re far more interested in a leader’s ability to shape how people think and act.” Kewalramani joins a distinguished group of Indian and Indian-origin leaders. Among them are Satya Nadella, ranking 2; Sundar Pichai at number 6; Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani at 56; YouTube CEO Neal Mohan at 83; and Adani Group’s Gautam Adani at 96. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang tops the 2025 list.
A distinguished career
Reshma Kewalramani’s career is marked by several milestones. She was born in Mumbai and relocated to the United States at the age of eleven. She graduated with a medical degree from Boston University and completed clinical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She went on to attend Harvard Business School’s General Management Program, which helped her develop her leadership skills even further. Kewalramani spent several years in clinical practice and medical research prior to joining Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2017. At Vertex, she quickly climbed through the ranks to reach Chief Medical Officer in 2018 and eventually CEO in April 2020. She also serves on the company’s board of directors.
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Kewalramani’s shift from physician to corporate leader was characterized by a significant emphasis on innovation. Under her tenure, Vertex has made key medical advancements, including five FDA-approved cystic fibrosis medications. These therapies have significantly improved results for thousands of patients worldwide. In addition to her role at Vertex, Kewalramani is on the board of Ginkgo Bioworks. She has also garnered various honors, including being selected to TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in both general and health-related categories.
Leading with science and purpose
Since Kewalramani took over as CEO, Vertex’s market capitalization has risen to more than $110 billion. The FDA just approved Journavx, the first non-opioid pain medication in almost two decades. Vertex is also at the forefront of gene editing technology, working on potential therapies for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Kewalramani gives a unique viewpoint to business leadership, having previously worked as a practicing physician and researcher.
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Science, patient needs, and a commitment to long-term innovation deeply inform Kewalramani’s decisions. In its profile, Fortune highlighted her clinical background and strategic leadership, noting, “Reshma Kewalramani, who brings her experience as a licensed doctor to her leadership, took the helm as CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2020, having previously served as the biopharma company’s chief medical officer.”
Financial standing
Kewalramani’s net worth is predicted to rise beyond $100 million by the middle of 2025. This includes around $47 million in corporate shares and more than $53 million in stock sales since 2021. Her total compensation package for 2024, which comprised salary, bonuses, and stock, was $21.5 million.
