Who Is Reshma Kewalramani? Mumbai-Born Trailblazer Joins Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful List

Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 17:15 IST

Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, joins Fortune's 100 Most Powerful People in Business. Ranked 62nd, she is the 1st woman CEO of a major US biotech firm on the list.

Reshma Kewalramani became the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2020. (Image: LinkedIn/Reshma Kewalramani)

As Fortune magazine released its list of 100 Most Powerful People in Business, a Mumbai-born woman has also secured a spot among the global leaders.

A Mumbai-born physician and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Reshma Kewalramani has joined global business leaders like Mukesh Ambani, Sundar Pichai, and Mark Zuckerberg on the list.

Ranked 62nd, Kewalramani is recognised for breaking barriers by becoming the first woman CEO of a major US biotechnology company. She has led Vertex Pharmaceuticals, currently valued at $110 billion, since April 2020 and also sits on its board of directors.

All About Reshma Kewalramani

Born in Mumbai, Kewalramani moved to the United States with her family, at the age of 11. She began her career as a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Transitioning to the biopharma industry, she held multiple leadership roles in research and development before joining Vertex in 2017. A year later, she was promoted to Chief Medical Officer, and by 2020, she became CEO.

Fortune highlighted her leadership in securing FDA approval for Journavx, a new opioid-free pain medication, highlighting the impact of her medical background on the company’s innovative direction.

Now in its second edition, Fortune’s list focuses on individuals with significant influence and decision-making power in actively run businesses shaping the future. The ranking prioritizes leadership and strategic impact over net worth or public visibility.

Other Indian and Indian-origin executives on the 2025 list include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at rank 2, Google CEO Sundar Pichai at rank 6, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani at rank 56, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan at rank 83, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani at rank 96.

Kewalramani’s inclusion marks her debut on the list and underscores her growing influence in both biotech and global business leadership.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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First Published:

August 06, 2025, 17:12 IST

News business Who Is Reshma Kewalramani? Mumbai-Born Trailblazer Joins Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful List

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