In 2021, there are an estimated 32 female CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies. This number represents a 14% increase from the 24 female CEOs in 2018. Female CEOs are becoming more prevalent and visible, and their accomplishments are being recognized more frequently. These women are leading some of the world’s most successful businesses and are breaking barriers that have been in place for centuries.
The following is a full list of the top 10 highest-earning female executives.
Top 10 Highest Paid Female CEOs In 2021
10- Corie Barry
Company Name- Best Buy
Total Compensation- $15,631,157
During the company’s most recent fiscal year, which concluded on Jan 29, CEO Corie Barry was paid $15.6 million in total remuneration.
A pandemic-related 50% reduction in Corie Barry’s basic salary in 2020 contributed to a 30% rise in her income last year, compared to the previous year, when she was paid just over $12 million. Last year, stock awards accounted for more than half of her compensation, according to an SEC report.
9- Barbara Rentler
Company Name- Ross Stores
Total Compensation- $15,989,635
In her role as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ross Stores Inc. in 2021, Barbara Rentler was awarded a total compensation package of $15,989,635. There was a total of $116,944 in various forms of compensation in addition to cash payments totaling $6,072,563, equity payments totaling $11,800,128, and other incentives.
8-Jayshree Ullal
Company Name- Arista Networks
Total Compensation- $15,993,632
The compensation given to Arista Networks CEO Jayshree Ullal increased the greatest that of any executive. As a direct result of receiving $15.4 million in stock awards, her base pay was boosted to $15.99 million. In 2021, the price of a share of Arista’s stock increased by a factor of four due to the ongoing rise in demand for items related to cloud computing.
7- Lynn J. Good
Company Name- Duke Energy
Total Compensation- $16,174,125
Lynn Good, the Chief Executive Officer of Duke Energy Corporation, is scheduled to receive a total compensation package of more than $16.1 million in the year 2021. Her overall compensation package will reach $16.1 million for the first time since 2017, representing a 13.1 percent increase over the amount she received in the year 2020.
6- Gail K. Boudreaux
Company Name- Anthem
Total Compensation- $19,348,241
As President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Anthem Inc., Gail Boudreaux is entitled to a salary of $19.3 million in the year 2021. There are no executives working at Anthem Inc. who are paid more than their contemporaries.
5- Kathy J. Warden
Company Name- Northrop Grumman
Total Compensation- $19,505,303
Kathy J. Warden earned a total of $19,505,303 as Chief Executive Officer and President of Northrop Grumman CORP /DE/. Total remuneration earned by this individual included a base salary of $1,589,439 and bonuses of $3,744,000 and stock options of $0, as well as a total of $13,500,119 in stock awards and $671,745.
4- Adena T. Friedman
Company Name- Nasdaq
Total Compensation- $19,965,893
Adena T. Friedman earned $19.9 million as President and CEO of NASDAQ, INC. Only $53,699 came from other forms of remuneration in this total sum of $1,176,163 as a salary, $4,081,857 as a bonus, and $0 in stock options.
3- Phebe N. Novakovic
Company Name- General Dynamics
Total Compensation- $23,553,862
During her tenure as Chairman of the Board and CEO of General Dynamics Corp., Phebe Novakovic earned a total pay of $23,553,862 in 2021. There was a total of $7,745,250 in cash, $15,395,836 in equity, and $412,776 in pensions and other compensation received.
2- Mary T. Barra
Company Name- General Motors
Total Compensation- $29,136,780
CEO Mary Barra of General Motors has received a raise, making her the highest-paid CEO of the Detroit Three manufacturers. All of GM’s highest-ranking executives were rewarded handsomely last year.
She earned a salary of $29,136,780 for directing the company and chairing the board of directors in 2021, according to GM’s report. Barra’s total compensation for 2020 was $23.7 million, compared to $21.6 million in 2019.
1- Lisa T. Su
Company Name- Advanced Micro Devices
Total Compensation- $29,498,107
As a result of an enormous stock award, Lisa T. Su a female CEO has risen to the top of the list of highest-paid female executives. While serving as the Chair President, and CEO of ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC, Lisa T. Su was paid a total of $29,498,107. She is the highest-paid female CEO with $29.1 million compensation, followed by Mary Barra of General Motors.
These women have led their companies to increased profits and enhanced shareholder value. Their successes underscore the importance of female leadership in business and underscore the importance of gender diversity on corporate boards.
