On Fortune’s newly released list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business, a Mumbai-born woman is making global waves. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, ranks 62nd on the prestigious list, joining the ranks of global titans like Mark Zuckerberg, Mukesh Ambani, Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai.
While her name may not be as widely recognised as some of her Indian-origin peers, Kewalramani has made history as the first woman to lead a major US biotechnology company.
From Mumbai to Massachusetts
Born in Mumbai, Kewalramani moved to the United States at the age of 11. She began her career in medicine, serving as a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Her transition from medicine to biotechnology saw her take on several leadership roles in research and development. She joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2017, was named Chief Medical Officer in 2018, and ascended to the role of CEO in April 2020. She also serves on the company’s board of directors.
Leading a $110 Billion Biotech Powerhouse
Under her leadership, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, currently valued at $110 billion, has continued to drive innovation in the biopharma space. Fortune highlighted that the company received FDA approval for a new opioid-free pain treatment called Journavx this year, a milestone in the battle against opioid dependency.
Kewalramani’s background as a licensed physician brings a clinical edge to her leadership, particularly in a company focused on cutting-edge treatments.
Fortune’s Power List: Spotlight on Influence, Not Just Wealth
This is only the second time Fortune has released its 100 Most Powerful People in Business list. The rankings emphasise influence and impact over just net worth. According to Fortune, the list celebrates leaders who actively shape business and the future.
Topping the list is Jensen Huang, CEO and co-founder of Nvidia, followed by Satya Nadella, whose strategic move to back OpenAI has given Microsoft a leading edge in the AI race.
Other Indian and Indian-origin leaders include:
Sundar Pichai (Rank 6) – CEO, Google
Mukesh Ambani (Rank 56) – Chairman, Reliance Industries
Neal Mohan (Rank 83) – CEO, YouTube
Gautam Adani (Rank 96)
A Global Recognition for a Quiet Leader
This marks Kewalramani’s first appearance on the Fortune list, a testament to her growing influence not only in biotech but in the broader business world. As a leader, physician, and innovator, she continues to quietly shape the future of global healthcare, and now, her efforts have earned global recognition.
