Reshma Kewalramani, born in Mumbai and now CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has earned a coveted spot on Fortune’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business. Ranked at number 62, she is the only Indian-origin woman CEO of a major US biotechnology company to make this year’s list. While global names like Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Mukesh Ambani also appear on the list, Kewalramani’s recognition marks a monumental achievement for women in science-led industries. Her rise from a physician in Boston hospitals to the helm of a $110 billion biotech company is a remarkable journey of leadership, innovation, and impact in the global healthcare landscape.
Who is Reshma Kewalramani: The Mumbai-born biotech CEO on Fortune’s 2025 Most Powerful Business Leaders list
Born in Mumbai, Reshma Kewalramani moved to the United States when she was just 11 years old. With a passion for medicine, she pursued her education and began her career as a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital—two of the most prestigious medical institutions in the US. Her early experiences in clinical settings laid a strong foundation for her future in biotechnology, where patient-centered care and scientific innovation go hand in hand.In 2020, Reshma Kewalramani made history by becoming the first woman to lead a major US biotechnology company. She joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2017 and quickly ascended the ranks—becoming Chief Medical Officer in 2018 and then CEO just two years later. Her appointment was more than a personal milestone—it symbolized a breakthrough in gender representation in a field traditionally dominated by men, especially at the executive level.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals grows to $110 billion under Reshma Kewalramani
Under her leadership, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has grown into a biotech powerhouse valued at $110 billion. The company is known for its innovations in treating cystic fibrosis and continues to expand its pipeline with bold research in rare diseases. Most notably in 2025, the company received FDA approval for Journavx, a revolutionary non-opioid pain treatment. This approval is being hailed as a landmark in the global fight against the opioid epidemic—a crisis that has devastated millions.Kewalramani’s unique edge as a licensed physician gives her a dual perspective—scientific and strategic. Unlike many biotech CEOs who come from a purely business background, she brings hands-on clinical experience to boardroom decisions. This medical insight has been crucial in shaping Vertex’s patient-first approach to drug development and innovation, further elevating its global credibility and impact.
Reshma Kewalramani ranks 62 on Fortune’s influential business leaders list
Now in its second edition, Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful People in Business celebrates individuals who wield influence, drive innovation, and shape the future of industry—not merely those with the highest net worth. Kewalramani’s entry at rank 62 is a clear indication of her growing stature in the international business and biotech communities.The top ranks this year feature:
- Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia) – Rank 1
- Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) – Rank 2
- Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google) – Rank 6
- Mukesh Ambani (Chairman of Reliance Industries) – Rank 56
- Neal Mohan (CEO of YouTube) – Rank 83
- Gautam Adani (Industrialist) – Rank 96
While Reshma Kewalramani may not yet be a household name, her work is transforming lives. Her quiet but impactful leadership style focuses on meaningful science, global health, and diverse representation in leadership. This is her first time on the Fortune list, and it signifies global acknowledgment of her contributions not just to business, but to humanity through science.Also Read | Earthquake risk in Canada! Yukon fault shows signs of awakening after 12,000 years, threatening thousands
