Forbes celebrates 10 women appointed as their companies’ first-ever female CEOs

In a significant stride toward fostering gender diversity in leadership, 2023 witnessed notable achievements, as celebrated by Forbes Middle East’s article entitled “Historic Moves: 10 Female CEOs Making Waves In 2023 Appointments.” Ten distinguished companies marked a pivotal moment last year by appointing their first-ever women CEOs, heralding a transformative era of inclusivity, and breaking down barriers.

Shamsa Al-Falasi - Citibank

First and foremost, among the women on the prestigious list was UAE’s very own Shamsa Al-Falasi, the CEO of Citibank, N.A. U.A.E. onshore branch. Back in April of last year, she became the first Emirati woman to hold her current role. Her remarkable journey at the bank began in 2004, starting as a fresh graduate and evolving into a testament to dedication and accomplishment.

Other Trailblazing Female CEOs 

1.       Jaya Varma Sinha assumed the roles of CEO and chairwoman of the Indian Railway Board in September 2023, marking a significant milestone in her extensive career with the organisation that began in 1988.

2.       In June 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Hafize Gaye Erkan as the head of Turkey’s central bank, declaring her its first female governor in history. 

3.       In February, Stephanie Linnartz went down in history as Under Armour’s (US) first female head after a 25-year career with Marriott International. 

4.       In January 2023, Vodafone (UK) unveiled Margherita Della Valle as its CEO, recognising her unwavering commitment and tenure with the company since 1994.

5.       Linda Yaccarino took charge as CEO at X (US), formerly Twitter, in June 2023. 

6.       In September 2023, Robyn Grew was appointed Man Group’s (UK) CEO and executive director after 14 years in the company.

7.       Ran Xu was appointed CEO and executive director of JD.com (China) in May 2023, after serving as CFO since 2018. 

8.       In August 2023, an announcement marked a historic moment as Abi Tierney was revealed as the inaugural female CEO of Welsh Rugby (Wales).

9.       Since September 2023, Vanessa Hudson has been serving as managing director and the first woman CEO of Australia’s Qantas Airways. She is nearing the three-decade mark as part of the Qantas team.