Indra Nooyi no longer most powerful woman in US business
Summary of story from IBN Live, October 1, 2011
Kraft’s chief executive officer (CEO), Irene Rosenfeld, has pushed PepsiCo’s chair and CEO Indra Nooyi off the top spot to become the most powerful woman in US business, according to the 14th annual ranking by Fortune this week.
The ranking was determined by the “size and importance” of the woman’s business in the global economy, in addition to the health and direction of the business, and her social and cultural relevance, the US magazine said.
Nooyi, who held the number one position for five years, was the only woman in the top 10 most powerful to be among the top 10 highest paid, earning $14 million last year.
“PepsiCo has forged further into nutrition-focused products,” Fortune said. “But Nooyi has been criticised for taking her eye off the core North American soda business, which has lost share to Coke.”
According to Fortune, Rosenfeld, 58, made a big show of power this year with her decision to split Kraft into two companies. She plans to remain CEO until the deal’s expected close in 2012.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey fell 10 places this year to No 16, with Fortune saying her influence had waned after hosting the final season of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in May.
