Forbes has recognized Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, as one of the ‘World’s Most Powerful Women.’ The only Indian-American on the list, Bajaria is joined by notable figures including India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and HCL Corporation CEO Roshni Nadar Malhotra. The list honors women excelling in business, technology, finance, media, politics, and philanthropy, with a focus on their global impact in times of leadership transitions and geopolitical uncertainty.
Bajaria, who has been with Netflix since 2016, now leads the company’s $17 billion annual content budget and oversees its scripted and unscripted content. Previously, she was the first woman of color to head Universal Television. Bajaria also serves on Coca-Cola’s board of directors and was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022.
Sitharaman, India’s first full-time female finance minister, is managing a $4 trillion economy and is optimistic that India’s GDP will surpass Japan and Germany by 2027. Known for advocating for women’s economic empowerment, she has promoted entrepreneurship, financial education, and business lending for women in India.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCLTech, plays a key role in the strategic direction of the $12 billion IT services company. She also leads philanthropic efforts through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on education.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon, continues to lead one of India’s largest biopharmaceutical companies. Under her leadership, Biocon has expanded into the U.S. market and acquired major businesses. Despite controversies, she remains a prominent figure in India’s business landscape.
