The Most Influential Women in Business 2024 according to Forbes Asia

Vicky Brady, CEO and Managing Director of Telstra

CEO of Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company. Over the past two years, she has focused the company's efforts on connectivity and artificial intelligence. Vicky Brady joined Telstra in 2016 and became its Chief Financial Officer in 2019.

Bonnie Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing

The first female CEO of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Under her leadership, the number of IPOs increased in 2023, and raised funds grew by 79%. In September, Chinese company Midea raised $4 billion, becoming the largest listing in Hong Kong in the past four years.

Clara Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Investment Corporation

CEO of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, established in 2022 with a capital of $8 billion. She is responsible for promoting and investing in high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence and green technologies, with the aim of strengthening Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness.

Maggie Chen, Co-founder and Chairman of Chenbro Micom

To date, Chenbro is considered one of the largest manufacturers of server chassis, with clients including Nvidia. In the first half of 2024, the company's revenue grew by 53%, and net profit increased by 176%. Chen served as president of the company until 2013 and became chairman of the board of directors in 2009.

Shina Chang, CEO of Kakao

The first female leader of Kakao, a South Korean technology giant. She took over the company in 2024 after ten years working in its venture investment division. Under her leadership, the company significantly increased profits by implementing artificial intelligence and new digital solutions for businesses and consumers.

Miwako Date, President and CEO of Mori Trust

President and CEO of the company founded by her father. She joined the company in 1998 and took the helm in 2016. Date is developing a strategy to expand luxury hotels as an additional source of sustainable income for the company, alongside traditional directions such as office leasing and real estate sales.

Lurdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, President of Megaworld

Megaworld, owned by Alliance Global Group, reported an 11% increase in net profit and a 22% increase in revenue. Gutierrez-Alfonso has worked at the company since 1990, holding various positions, including Chief Operating Officer. Tan, who remains chairman of the board of directors, is valued at $1.9 billion.

Neerika Holkar, Executive Director of Godrej Enterprises Group

Neerika Holkar oversees branding, legal operations and mergers, as well as the integration of sales data. In 2024, she led negotiations for the division of assets of the family group. Holkar began her career at the law firm AZB & Partners in 2009 and became executive director of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing in 2017.

Carrie Hurihanagani, CEO of Auckland Airport

The first woman to lead Auckland Airport, where she oversees the largest modernization since its opening in 1966. She also played a key role in attracting $869 million for the airport's expansion and the construction of a new terminal, which will open in 2029.

Michelle Jablko, CEO of Transurban

Michelle Jablko became the first woman to lead Transurban in October 2023. The toll road management company has a market capitalization of 40 billion Australian dollars. Jablko oversees several major projects, including the construction of the West Gate Tunnel and highway expansions in the US.

Rishma Kaur, Chairman of Berger Paints India

Rishma Kaur has worked at the company since 1990 and held key positions in product and business development. Kaur plans to implement AI and robots in production to improve the painting process and drive company growth in a competitive market.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD

Vice President of Shui On Land, the largest real estate developer in China, founded by her father. She took over the company in May 2024 amid a crisis in the real estate market.

Vishakha Mulay, CEO of Aditya Birla Capital

CEO of a major Indian financial company. Under her leadership, the company significantly increased profits by improving operations in areas such as lending, insurance, and digital services. Vishakha also launched the Aditya Birla Capital Digital platform, which provides digital financial services for retail customers.

Shania Mano Junaidi Panjabi, President of MD Entertainment

MD Entertainment is the largest cinematic company in Indonesia, co-founded in 2002. She took over the company in 2021 and contributed to its growth, including the successful acquisition of Net TV and record box office earnings from the film KKN Di Desa Penari. Panjabi is responsible for financial matters and company development; she also has experience working at A.T. Kearney Management Consultants.

Pheni Joko Susanto, President-Commissioner of Sumber Alfaria Trijaya

Sumber Alfaria Trijaya is the largest retail store chain in Indonesia. She took over the company more than 10 years ago and played a key role in its expansion, including its successful stock market listing in 2009 and expansion into the Philippines in 2014. Under her leadership, the number of the company's stores grew from 141 to 22,000, and annual revenue in 2023 reached 107 trillion rupiah.

Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO and Designated CEO of DBS Group

DBS Group is the largest bank in Southeast Asia. Tan Su Shan will become the first woman to lead DBS Group in March 2025. She plays an important role in the bank's sustainable growth, which recorded a record net profit of 10.3 billion Singapore dollars in 2023. Under her leadership, the bank is actively developing wealth management and financial services, as well as increasing income from cards and loans.

Serena Teo Ju Ling, CEO of CLAS

CapitaLand Ascott Trust is the largest real estate trust in Asia. Under her leadership, CLAS increased income by 20% in 2023 and continues to expand its portfolio, including the acquisition of a new property in Singapore. Serena has over 10 years of experience in real estate, including roles at the Singapore Economic Development Board and Ascendas-Singbridge Group.

Mitsuko Tottori, CEO of Japan Airlines

She became the first woman to lead the company, starting her career as a flight attendant. Under her leadership, JAL restored traffic to pre-pandemic levels, and the company's net profit increased by 178%.

Jo Townsend, CEO of Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation manages New Zealand's sovereign wealth fund, the NZ Super Fund. Under her leadership, the fund grew significantly and became the world's best sovereign investor from 2013 to 2022. The fund delivers an average annual return of 10.1%.

Read the full article here.