Women run a record 11.2% of Fortune 500 companies in 2026—but the gain came in a year of high-profile exits
In 2026, women lead a record 11.2% of Fortune 500 companies, marking the highest share in the list's history. Despite high-profile CEO exits, the number of female leaders has continued to rise due to internal promotions and new hires. The trend towards increased female representation in corporate leadership is ongoing, though achieving gender parity remains a long-term goal.
- ▪A record 56 women are leading Fortune 500 companies in 2026.
- ▪Several high-profile female CEOs exited their positions in a short span, including those from Oracle and Fannie Mae.
- ▪The share of Fortune 500 companies run by women has increased from 7.4% in 2020 to 11.2% in 2026.
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Even in a turbulent year at the top, a record 56 women lead Fortune 500 companies in 2026, 11.2% of the newest ranking of America’s largest businesses by revenue. That’s the highest share in the list’s 72-year history and the fourth consecutive year the figure has cleared double digits.Recommended Video Still, several Fortune 500 CEOs including Oracle’s Safra Catz, Fannie Mae’s Priscilla Almodovar, and Hershey’s Michele Buck exited their corner offices in a span of weeks during the fall. Almodovar’s departure left the Fortune 500 without a Latina CEO for the first time since she took the job in 2022.
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