This year the Fortune magazine lists 15 women CEOs up from 12 in 2008. The list includes PepsiCo's India-born CEO Indra Nooyi and three newcomers -- Yahoo's new CEO Carol Bartz, Dupont CEO Ellen Kullman, and BJ's Wholesale Club CEO Laura Sen.

According to the Fortune magazine, "From healthcare to food to retail to technology, these 15 women show what it takes to lead some of the world's biggest companies."

Meet the powerful women who have made it big in the tough, competitive and male-dominated corporate world.

Patricia Woertz

President and CEO of Archer Daniels Midland, 56-year-old Patricia Woertz earns a salary of $17.5 million.

She was named CEO and President on April 27, 2006. She took over the additional role of chairman of the board on February 6, 2007.

Archer Daniels Midland produces food ingredients, animal feeds and feed ingredients, biofuels and other products used by manufacturers around the world to provide wholesome food.

Company rank in the Fortune list: 27

Image: Patricia Woertz. | Photograph, courtesy: Archer Daniels Midland

Also read: Top 10 Fortune 500 companies

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