13. Rosalind Brewer
President and CEO, Sam's Club
Wal-Mart Stores
2011 rank: 23
Age: 50
Wal-Mart Stores
2011 rank: 23
Age: 50
Brewer, who began as a scientist at Kimberly-Clark, became CEO of Wal-Mart's warehouse club (fiscal 2012 revenue: $54 billion) in February after a stint as head of Wal-Mart's eastern division. It is a big promotion: She heads one of only three operating segments, and she reports directly to CEO Mike Duke.
From the October 8, 2012 issue
Fortune's Most Powerful Women
For the latest on the most influential women in business, philanthropy, government, and the arts, like us on Facebook. How we pick the Power 50
The list is compiled by FORTUNE editors, who consider four criteria: the size and importance of the woman's business in the global economy, the health and direction of the business, the arc of the woman's career (resume and runway ahead), and societal and cultural influence.
