In 2025, the global business landscape acknowledged one of its most compelling leaders: Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, was named to Fortune’s list of “100 Most Powerful People in Business”. More Details. This recognition is not simply about status it reflects a career rooted in science, leadership and global health impact.
Kewalramani’s journey begins as a physician, moving through hospitals and clinical work, before entering biotech leadership. Her ascension to the helm of a company valued at over $100 billion signals not only personal achievement but also a shift in how women are leading in high-stakes industries.
What sets her apart is the blend of scientific rigor with business acumen. Under her leadership, Vertex continues to advance treatments for rare diseases, bringing sometimes-overlooked patient populations into focus. The business model she champions emphasises both innovation and purpose a model that younger female leaders find inspiring.
Her story offers three key takeaways for women in business:
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Build domain expertise – Kewalramani began in medicine, which gave her credibility in biotech.
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Lead with purpose – Her focus is not purely profit-driven but on meaningful outcomes.
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Break ceilings visibly – For women in under-represented industries, seeing someone like her at the top matters.
In a time when less than 10 % of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, her presence signals change. For any woman in business whether startup founder, corporate executive, or aspiring leader Kewalramani’s path reminds us that combining expertise with vision can reshape both industry and society.
