Demand for women managers is booming in marketing departments. Eight top corporate companies in the country which directly touch 650 million people have women at the role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMOs) or Marketing Head. In the month of February this year, BW unveiled 50 most influential marketing leaders of India in sectors such as tech & digital, FMCG, Food and Auto shining. 20 percent of the list comprises of women leaders, and this reflects the changing dynamics of the industry. There has been dynamic changes going on worldwide, an annual report from Spencer Stuart has revealed that the number of women taking the role of CMOs are rising year on year. Reports say that women made-up 43 percent of chief marketing officers at the top 100 advertising spenders in 2019. In 2018, that percentage was 36 percent, whereas in 2017, it was 28 percent.

The industry is certainly making progress, diminishing the gap of gender disparities. But we still have a long way to go to be a gender equal society. And in India, the path is even longer with many obstacles. However, increase in the number of women being recruited in the marketing sector of our country springs hope. Recently, the number of women CMOs working in $104 billion Tata group reached nine. The trend of women in marketing is growing. They turn-out to be more entrepreneurial in nature. They are bringing different perspectives to the table and tend to be more strategic. Today, women are getting equal opportunities, as the world is recognizing their skills and are continuing their upward trajectory in every sector with their strong leadership skills.

In this issue, the Women Entrepreneur magazine brings into spotlight a list of 'Top 10 Women CMOs - 2021'. The list has been crafted by a team of Industry veterans, CEOs, VCs and the our editorial board, thus delivering inspiring stories of their journey and the contributions & roles played by them in the creation and empowerment of a powerful nation.