Share Of Women Leading Fortune 500 Companies Hits Record High

The share of women who are running Fortune 500 companies hit a record high this week: 11.6% of Fortune 500 companies are currently run by women.

Over the past few years, the number of Fortune 500 companies that were run by women has hovered around 10%, but recent appointments and movement at these companies have resulted in that percentage increasing to a historic high to kick off 2025.

On Jan. 6, Ulta Beauty announced its CEO Dave Kimbell would be retiring and would be succeeded by the company’s COO Kecia Steelman. The leadership changes took effect immediately and the announcement included an increase in the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter outlook due to stronger than expected holiday season performance.

Steelman has been with Ulta for more than a decade and has served at the COO since 2023. She was described as “a strategic leader with a proven record of driving operational excellence and creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering a caring and inclusive culture.”

Also on Jan. 6, Deanne Strable became the CEO of Principal Financial Group, following a November announcement that she would be promoted by COO to CEO.

Another recent appointment included the promotion of Martina Cheung to CEO of S&P Global, which took place in November.

While women are stepping into leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, some have been placed there in interim roles as their companies sort out their issues.

At struggling chipmaker Intel, Michelle Johnston Holthaus was named interim co-CEO last year alongside David Zinsner, following news that the company is facing financial struggles. Holthaus’ appointment is indicative of a trend of appointing women to leadership positions during a time of turmoil – otherwise known as the glass cliff.

The company is now looking to hire a full-time CEO.