Nvidia CEO and cofounder Jensen Huang tops Fortune’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 most powerful businesspeople. Other tech giants in the top 10 include Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, and Huawei’s Ren Zhengfei.
In a remarkable achievement, Mumbai-born Reshma Kewalramani has earned a spot on Fortune’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business, joining global heavyweights like Mark Zuckerberg, Mukesh Ambani, and Sundar Pichai. While her name may not be as instantly recognizable as some of her Indian-origin peers such as Satya Nadella or Pichai, Kewalramani has quietly carved out a place in history through her leadership in the biotechnology sector.
Reshma Kewalramani is the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a U.S.-based biotechnology firm with a market valuation of over $110 billion. She made history in April 2020 by becoming the first woman to head a major biotech company in the United States. Under her leadership, Vertex has continued to expand its groundbreaking work in genetic and rare diseases, focusing on innovation-driven therapies that are transforming patients’ lives.
Humble Beginnings in Mumbai
Born in Mumbai, Reshma Kewalramani spent the early years of her life in India before moving to the United States at the age of 11. Her journey from a young immigrant to one of the most influential women in global business is a testament to both her resilience and visionary leadership.
Kewalramani was always driven by a passion for medicine and science. She pursued her medical education in the U.S. and began her career as a physician, practicing at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, two of the most prestigious institutions in the country. However, her aspirations extended beyond clinical practice.
Transition to Biotechnology
After gaining hands-on experience in patient care, Kewalramani made the strategic shift into the biopharma industry. Her move was fueled by a desire to create broader impact through medical innovation. Over the years, she held various leadership roles in research and development, overseeing teams that focused on drug discovery and clinical trials.
In 2017, she joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a company known for its pioneering work in treating cystic fibrosis and advancing gene-editing therapies. Within just a year, she was promoted to Chief Medical Officer, and by 2020, she had taken the reins as CEO — an impressive rise that reflects her expertise and strategic acumen.
Leading with Vision and Purpose
As CEO, Kewalramani has steered Vertex through a period of significant scientific and commercial growth. The company has not only maintained its dominance in cystic fibrosis treatment but also expanded into new areas such as sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and kidney diseases. Her leadership emphasizes patient-centric innovation, inclusivity, and long-term research investment.
Beyond her executive role at Vertex, she also serves on several industry boards and advisory councils, contributing her insights to the broader healthcare and life sciences ecosystem. Kewalramani has been an outspoken advocate for diversity in leadership, especially in STEM fields, and often speaks about the importance of mentorship and representation for women and minorities in science.
Being named to Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful People in Business is more than a personal accolade — it’s recognition of Kewalramani’s broader impact on the global biopharma landscape. Her achievements represent a significant milestone not only for Indian-origin professionals but also for women in leadership roles in an industry long dominated by men.
Reshma Kewalramani’s story is one of grit, ambition, and groundbreaking success. From her beginnings in Mumbai to leading one of the world’s most valuable biotech firms, she has emerged as a global role model, showing that impactful leadership can be both compassionate and cutting-edge,proud moment for india.
