Business Today Honours India’s Most Powerful Women in Business at 23rd Annual Awards

Business Today has recognised more than 150 women leaders and high-performing professionals at the 23rd edition of its Most Powerful Women in Business Awards, celebrating women’s contributions to corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and India’s economic growth. Held in Mumbai on 23 October 2026, the event brought together leaders from listed companies, privately held businesses, startups and several other industries.

The awards highlighted the growing influence of women in shaping business strategy, building enterprises and driving organisational performance. The 2026 edition placed particular emphasis on measurable business results, sustained profitability and the achievements of women who are expanding their influence across India’s corporate landscape.

100 Women Leaders From Listed Companies Recognised

A key feature of the 2026 awards was the recognition of 100 women leaders associated with listed companies. Business Today’s selection methodology focused on financial performance and profitability, examining factors such as profit growth, consistency of earnings and operating margins over multiple financial years.

According to Business Today, the 100 women-led companies featured in its ranking reported combined profits of ₹2.11 lakh crore in the 2025–26 financial year. Their combined profits increased by 59.4% from ₹1.32 lakh crore in FY2022 to ₹2.11 lakh crore in FY2026.

The figures underline the significant contribution of women-led businesses to India’s corporate economy. They also demonstrate how women are increasingly influencing strategic decisions, business expansion and financial performance across established enterprises.

The awards also recognised 61 women from unlisted businesses in its Super Achievers category, bringing attention to leadership beyond publicly traded companies. These honourees represented a broader range of business environments, including privately held enterprises, startups and global organisations.

Women Leaders Driving Innovation Across Industries

The event featured discussions on the future of Indian industry, with women executives sharing their experiences in manufacturing, defence technology, electric mobility, financial services and investment.

Suman Mishra, Managing Director and CEO of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility; Shilpa Choudari, Whole-time Director of Zen Technologies; and Rekha Murthy Rangarajan, Whole-time Director of Data Patterns (India), participated in discussions about indigenous innovation, research and development, and the development of globally competitive technologies.

The conversations highlighted the importance of investment in domestic research capabilities, talent development and resilient supply chains. As India seeks to strengthen its manufacturing and technological capabilities, women leaders are contributing to sectors traditionally dominated by men.

In financial services, market experts and investment leaders discussed strategies for navigating volatility, evaluating risk and building sustainable businesses. Their perspectives highlighted the importance of disciplined decision-making and long-term planning in an increasingly complex economic environment.

Balancing Business Legacy With Growth

Another important theme was the challenge of managing established businesses while responding to changing customer expectations and market conditions.

Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director of Godrej Enterprises Group, discussed the importance of continuously earning consumer trust rather than relying solely on a company’s historical reputation. Leaders from Berger Paints India, Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts and Balrampur Chini Mills also shared perspectives on business transformation, organisational culture and long-term growth.

These discussions highlighted the role of women in preserving business legacies while introducing new strategies, identifying emerging opportunities and preparing organisations for future challenges.

Entrepreneurship and the expansion of women-led businesses also featured prominently. By recognising women from both listed and unlisted companies, the awards acknowledged that business leadership can emerge through corporate careers, family enterprises and independently built ventures.

Recognising Women in Sports and Leadership

The event extended its focus beyond corporate achievements to recognise excellence in sport. Indian hockey players Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete, along with kabaddi player Pushpa Rana, shared experiences relating to resilience, teamwork, self-belief and overcoming setbacks.

Their participation connected the themes of leadership in business with the determination required to compete at the highest levels of sport. It also highlighted the importance of support systems, opportunities and recognition in helping women succeed across different professional fields.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari attended the event as chief guest, while leaders from the India Today Group and the National Stock Exchange participated in the awards programme.

Why the Recognition Matters for Women in India

The 2026 Most Powerful Women in Business Awards reflects the increasing visibility of women across India’s corporate and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognition of profitability, enterprise building and leadership helps bring attention to women who are making substantial contributions to business performance and economic development.

However, greater representation in senior positions remains only one part of the broader challenge. Access to finance, mentorship, professional networks and leadership opportunities continues to influence how women build and grow their careers and businesses.

Platforms that recognise women across established corporations, startups and privately held enterprises can help broaden the visibility of female role models and encourage more women to pursue leadership and entrepreneurship.

The awards also provide an opportunity for businesses to examine how they develop talent, support women in management and create pathways for future leaders.

As India continues to expand its industrial, financial and technological capabilities, women’s participation in business leadership will remain an important part of the country’s economic development. The 2026 awards placed that contribution in the spotlight, celebrating women whose decisions, innovations and business achievements are helping shape the future of Indian enterprise.

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