A recent report by Candere Hurun highlights the enduring influence of India's veteran women leaders, revealing that the top 10 women aged 65 and above collectively steer companies with a staggering valuation exceeding ₹4.3 lakh crore. These seasoned professionals, ranging from 66 to 81 years old, continue to shape the nation's corporate landscape across diverse sectors.
Experience Reigns: India's Oldest Women Leaders at the Helm
The 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List underscores that age is proving to be a significant asset in the business world. The "Veterans" category, specifically for leaders aged 65 and above, showcases individuals who have not only maintained but grown their companies to remarkable heights.
Pioneers Leading the Pack
Jointly topping the Veterans category are Preetha Reddy (68) and Suneeta Reddy (67) of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, whose leadership accounts for a company valuation of ₹1,21,770 crore. Following closely is Swati Piramal (70) of Piramal Group, commanding a company valued at ₹85,850 crore.
Biocon's Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (73) holds the fourth position with her company valued at ₹67,440 crore, while Arundhati Bhattacharya (70) of Salesforce India is recognized for her leadership of an enterprise valued at ₹45,940 crore.
Notably, Bina Modi (81) stands as the oldest leader among the top 10, guiding Godfrey Phillips India to a valuation of ₹34,930 crore. Other prominent figures include Leena Gandhi Tewari (69) of USV (₹32,460 crore), Mallika Srinivasan (66) of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment (₹22,900 crore), Arshia A Lalljee (66) of Sud-Chemie India (₹9,470 crore), and Vinita Singhania (74) of JK Lakshmi Cement (₹7,410 crore).
A Broader Look at Women's Leadership in India
Beyond the veteran category, the comprehensive 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List acknowledges 117 women across various fields, including business, startups, sports, literature, and social impact. Together, these women represent businesses and organizations with an astonishing combined valuation of ₹39 lakh crore.
The report also highlights a significant trend: 84% of the women featured (98 out of 117) are self-made, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to building their careers from the ground up. Only a smaller proportion inherited their businesses or leadership roles.
Geographically, Mumbai leads with 26 honorees, followed by Delhi with 21, and Bengaluru with 16. The study also noted that 33 women pursued their careers by moving across state lines, while two relocated internationally, showcasing the dynamic mobility within India's professional landscape. The University of Delhi was identified as the most represented undergraduate institution among the leaders.
Sectors and Influence
These influential women lead across a wide array of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology, cement, and consumer goods. Their collective achievements underscore the critical role that experienced leadership, particularly from women, plays in driving economic growth and innovation in India.