The corporate sector is transforming, and the CEOs leading these changes are at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and business growth. These leaders are not only navigating complex market conditions but are also setting the stage for the future of their industries.
From tech giants to emerging players, the CEOs featured here are implementing bold strategies, embracing new technologies, and addressing global challenges. This article highlights 10 CEOs who are making a significant impact in 2024, offering a practical look at the leaders whose decisions will shape the business world in the year ahead.
Let’s explore more about them.
Jonathan Ross, CEO and Founder of Groq, is a pioneering force in the AI hardware space, known for developing groundbreaking systems that accelerate machine learning performance. Before founding Groq, he was the technical lead for Google’s TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) project, a milestone in AI infrastructure. At Groq, Ross is reimagining compute with a deterministic architecture that delivers ultra-fast, predictable results for AI inference. Recognized for his bold vision and engineering ingenuity, he’s leading a company that’s enabling real-time AI at scale across industries. Ross represents a new wave of leaders shaping the future of high-performance, responsible artificial intelligence.
Rodney McMullen served as Chairman and CEO of The Kroger Co., one of the largest grocery retailers in the U.S., from 2014 until his resignation in 2025 following an investigation into personal conduct. Joining Kroger in 1978 as a part-time stock clerk, McMullen held various leadership roles, including CFO and COO, before becoming CEO. Under his leadership, Kroger expanded to over 2,700 stores and achieved annual revenues exceeding $150 billion. He was instrumental in launching the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, aiming to eliminate hunger and waste by 2025. McMullen also served on the boards of several organizations, including the American Heart Association and Feeding America.
Carlos Abrams-Rivera is the Chief Executive Officer of The Kraft Heinz Company, a role he took on in January 2024. With over 20 years of experience in the consumer goods sector, he has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Abrams-Rivera held key leadership positions at Kraft Heinz, including U.S. Zone President and Executive Vice President of North America. His leadership emphasizes agility, sustainability, and consumer-driven innovation. Under his direction, Kraft Heinz continues to adapt to evolving market needs while maintaining its commitment to quality and value for customers.
Dr. Audrey Wystrach, co-founder and co-CEO of Petfolk, is redefining veterinary care through a modern, tech-integrated approach. Raised on a ranch in southern Arizona, her early experiences with animals to pursue a lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine. With over 25 years in the field, Dr. Audrey launched Petfolk in 2020, aiming to merge digital innovation with compassionate, in-person care. Under her leadership, Petfolk has expanded across the Southeast, offering services that prioritize both pet wellness and veterinarian well-being. The company has secured $40 million in funding, reflecting investor confidence in its mission to transform pet healthcare delivery. Dr. Audrey’s visionary leadership and dedication to enhancing the veterinary profession make her a standout CEO to watch in 2024.
Tim Wentworth is the Chief Executive Officer of (WBA), a role he assumed on October 23, 2023. With nearly three decades of healthcare leadership experience, Wentworth previously served as the founding CEO of Evernorth, Cigna’s health services organization. He also led Express Scripts, the U.S.’s largest pharmacy benefit manager, which he grew into a Fortune 22 company. At WBA, Wentworth is steering the company through a significant transformation, including a $1 billion cost-cutting initiative and the closure of 1,200 stores over three years to address financial challenges and enhance profitability.
Shaily Baranwal is transforming education by addressing the national teacher shortage through Elevate K-12, a platform providing live, certified instruction to over 600 districts across 33 states. With degrees in industrial engineering, early childhood education, and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Baranwal’s diverse background fuels her innovative approach. Her entrepreneurial journey includes founding a chain of preschools and India’s first live grill restaurant, later acquired by Dabur. Recognized on Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders list, Baranwal recently transitioned to Chief Learning Ambassador at Elevate K-12, focusing on expanding live teaching and launching a new AI edtech venture.
Tahira White is a multi-disciplinary creative entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in integrated marketing and production. She co-founded 19th & Park, a creative marketing agency, and 1Park9, a production company, both of which have generated over $30 million in revenue. Her ventures have collaborated with global brands such as Nike, L’Oréal, Meta, Apple, and Ulta Beauty. Tahira’s journey began at Hearst Magazines, leading to freelance projects with industry giants like Samsung and artist Frank Ocean. Her work emphasizes diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement, aiming to empower underrepresented voices in the creative industry.
Priscilla Almodovar is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Fannie Mae, a position she has held since December 2022. She is the first woman and Latina to lead the organization. With over 30 years of experience in finance, real estate, and community development, Almodovar has held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Fannie Mae, she served as President and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners, where she led initiatives to promote affordable housing and racial equity. Almodovar holds a B.A. from Hofstra University and a J.D. from Columbia University.
Katie Hall, founder and CEO of Claira, is revolutionizing talent management by shifting the focus from traditional credentials to actual competencies. Her AI-powered platform enables companies to identify and leverage the real skills of their workforce, promoting faster hiring, improved efficiency, and greater inclusivity. Drawing from her diverse experiences in manufacturing, public policy, and economic development, Hall recognized the limitations of conventional hiring practices. This insight led to the creation of Claira in 2020, which has since gained recognition, including selection for the Google for Startups Accelerator and inclusion in Forbes Next 1000. By addressing systemic biases and emphasizing genuine capabilities, Hall is making significant strides in creating a more equitable labor market.
Chase Lochmiller, co-founder and CEO of Crusoe Energy, is pioneering a sustainable future for computing by transforming stranded natural gas into power for AI and high-performance computing. With degrees from MIT and Stanford and a background in algorithmic trading, Lochmiller co-founded Crusoe in 2018 to address the environmental impact of gas flaring. Under his leadership, Crusoe has raised over $600 million, achieving a valuation of $2.8 billion, and has significantly reduced methane emissions by deploying Digital Flare Mitigation technology. By aligning climate solutions with the demands of the digital economy, Lochmiller positions Crusoe at the forefront of green technology innovation, making him a CEO to watch in 2024.
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