The Time magazine refers to her strategic mind and tremendous market insight, for pushing PepsiCo ahead of competitiors. Nooyi is the fifth CEO of PepsiCo, a world leader in foods and beverages, with revenues of more than $39 billion and more than 185,000 employees across the world. Nooyi is meticulous, has a global vision, and always thinks about the employees as well as the consumers.

Nooyi was also selected as one among 25 most powerful people in business by Fortune magazine in 2007. A illustrious career at PespsiCo saw her riding high on the succession charts. She joined PepsiCo in 1994, was named president and CFO in 2001. In October 2006, she took over as the CEO of PepsiCo. Indra Nooyi has played a vital role in starting Tricon, which is now known as Yum! Brands Inc.

Nooyi also suggested spinning off Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. Nooyi went ahead with the acquisition of Tropicana in 1998, and merger with Quaker Oats Co. Her goal: to make Pepsi a model 21st-century company - both responsible and successful.

Image: PepsiCo's chair and CEO, Indra Nooyi speaks at the Miami Dade College Miami Leadership Roundtable| Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images