Top 10 Indian-Origin U.S. Executives (2025)
Our list of the most important US business executives of Indian Origin
1. Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft
Since 2014, Nadella has transformed Microsoft into a global leader in cloud computing and AI, overseeing acquisitions like LinkedIn and Activision Blizzard. facebook.com+6linkedin.com+6instagram.com+6investopedia.com
2. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Alphabet Inc. (Google)
Leading Google since 2015 and Alphabet since 2019, he has pushed the company toward cutting-edge AI and cloud services. investopedia.com
3. Arvind Krishna – Chairman & CEO, IBM
Since April 2020, overseeing IBM’s transition to hybrid cloud and AI. He was a principal architect of the Red Hat acquisition. en.wikipedia.org+1businessviewpointmagazine.com+1
4. Shantanu Narayen – Chairman & CEO, Adobe Inc.
At the helm of Adobe since 2007, Narayen led its pivot to subscription-based software and propelled a major valuation boost. livemint.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4investopedia.com+4
5. Leena Nair – CEO, Chanel
Appointed CEO of Chanel in 2021, she is the first woman and Indian-origin executive to lead the iconic luxury brand. Former Unilever HR chief. businessviewpointmagazine.com
6. Reshma Kewalramani – CEO, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Leading advancements in gene-editing therapies and recently recognized among Fortune’s most influential Indian‑Americans. investopedia.com
7. Nikesh Arora – CEO, Palo Alto Networks
Spearheading cybersecurity innovation and noted as one of the highest-paid tech CEOs—surpassing peers like Pichai and Nadella. lemonde.fr+2theaustralian.com.au+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2
8. Revathi Advaithi – CEO, Flex
Heading global manufacturing firm Flex since 2019. She champions sustainable manufacturing and gender equity in STEM. Serves on boards including Uber. en.wikipedia.org
9. Ajay Banga – President, World Bank Group (formerly CEO, Mastercard)
Led Mastercard 2010–2020. Since June 2, 2023, President of the World Bank Group, guiding global development and climate initiatives. en.wikipedia.org
10. Jayshree Ullal – President & CEO, Arista Networks
A pioneer in cloud networking technologies, responsible for enabling high-speed Ethernet systems used globally. Recognized repeatedly among Silicon Valley power lists. en.wikipedia.org+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+1
📌 Noteworthy Mentions
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Vaibhav Taneja, CFO of Tesla, made headlines for earning $139 million in 2024—reportedly more than Nadella or Pichai. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+1
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Laxman Narasimhan, former CEO of Starbucks and Reckitt (ousted August 2024), previously held senior roles at PepsiCo. en.wikipedia.org
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Amit Walia, CEO of Informatica, rose from humble roots in India and now leads a global data-management leader. theaustralian.com.au
📊 Summary Table
Rank | Name | Position | Company / Role |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Satya Nadella | CEO | Microsoft |
2 | Sundar Pichai | CEO | Alphabet / Google |
3 | Arvind Krishna | Chairman & CEO | IBM |
4 | Shantanu Narayen | Chairman & CEO | Adobe |
5 | Leena Nair | CEO | Chanel |
6 | Reshma Kewalramani | CEO | Vertex Pharmaceuticals |
7 | Nikesh Arora | CEO | Palo Alto Networks |
8 | Revathi Advaithi | CEO | Flex |
9 | Ajay Banga | President (formerly CEO) | World Bank Group (Mastercard) |
10 | Jayshree Ullal | President & CEO | Arista Networks |
These leaders exemplify the breadth and impact of Indian-origin professionals shaping global business. From enterprise tech and pharmaceuticals to luxury, manufacturing, finance, and development, they reflect innovation, equity, and influence at the highest level.