Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 100 Women Leaders in Consumer Products of 2021. The women selected for this year’s award list represent some of the most ubiquitous and beloved brands worldwide. Through their deep industry expertise, they have facilitated exponential growth, strategic rebrands, new product launches, and corporate partnerships to ensure that their organizations are able to consistently produce high-quality products and get them into the hands of the consumers that need them. Whether they launched their companies as entrepreneurs, or gradually worked their way up the ranks of their current employers, they have proven their dedication to their companies’ products and to facilitating the best possible consumer experience.
This year’s awardees have served as prominent role models across key areas including personal care, food services, cosmetics, apparel, electronics, and many others. Not only have these women leaders demonstrated their ability to adapt to a constantly evolving industry, they have also guided their companies in taking important steps toward improved sustainability. From reducing the amounts of artificial ingredients and chemicals used in development, to utilizing eco-friendly packaging practices, they are ensuring that their products meet consumers’ standards without negatively impacting the environment. Representing diverse backgrounds in marketing, sales, merchandising, quality assurance, and product development, among others, these women leaders guide high-performing teams in producing the first-rate goods we use every day. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 100 Women Leaders in Consumer Products of 2021.
1. Mary Lynn Ferguson-McHugh
Procter & Gamble
Mary Lynn Ferguson-McHugh is the Chief Executive Officer of Family Care and P&G Ventures of Procter & Gamble. She first joined the company in 1986 as assistant brand manager of Vicks NyQuil. Procter & Gamble Company is a consumer goods corporation that provides products and services for rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and more. Previously, Ferguson-McHugh was a member of the board of directors at Molson Coors Beverage Company. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of the Pacific.
2. Michele Buck
The Hershey Company
Michele Buck is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company. The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints, and other great-tasting snacks. Buck has over 34 years of experience in the consumer goods industry. Before joining the company, she was a vice president of marketing, general manager at Kraft Foods, and before that a director, managing director, and vice president of marketing at Nabisco. Earlier in her career, she worked with Frito Lay as an assistant/associate brand manager. Buck graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School with a Master of Business Administration and from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
3. Linda Rendle
The Clorox Company
Linda Rendle is the Chief Executive Officer of The Clorox Company. Clorox is a global company with leading brands that have become household names for bleach and cleaning products. She was appointed to the board of directors of Visa Inc. in November 2020. Rendle first got her start in 2000 as an account manager at Family Dollar with several roles at Procter & Gamble before joining Clorox Company. She graduated from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
11. Leila Rouhi
Ring
Leila Rouhi is the President of Ring. Since its founding in 2013, Ring has been on a mission to make neighborhoods safer. Rouhi first got her start in 2004 as an associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP. From there, she went on to Eisner Jaffe Gorry Champan & Ross, before eventually rising to director of legal affairs at True Religion Brand Jeans, her most recent position before joining Ring. Rouhi graduated from New York University School of Law with a Juris Doctor in Law, and from Mount Holyoke College with an undergraduate degree in economics.
15. Maureen Kelly
Tarte Cosmetics
Maureen Kelly is the CEO & Founder of Tarte Cosmetics. Tarte is now the leader in high-performance naturals offering pure, eco-chic beauty products that truly perform with a powerful purpose. Tarte Cosmetics was founded out of her New York City apartment in 1999 after abandoning a plan to become a clinical psychologist.
In 2007, Kelly was awarded Woman of the Year by Entrepreneur magazine.
At the Binghampton campus of the State University of New York, she majored in English and after graduating in 1992 she went on to earn a master's degree in psychology from Columbia University.
17. Katina Xouria
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
Katina Xouria is the President of Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. The Robert Bosch Tool Corporation is composed of industry-leading brands, including Bosch, Dremel, CST Berger, Rotozip, and Vermont American. Xouria has over 42 years of experience in the consumer goods industry. She began her career in 1979. Before joining the company, Xouria was a director of finance and administration at Skil Corporation. Earlier in her career, she worked with PwC as an audit senior. Xouria graduated from DePaul University, with a Master of Business Administration degree and received her undergraduate degree in accounting.
21. Melanie Harris
Nike
Melanie Harris is the Vice President of Strategy and Development of Nike. She first joined the company in 2019. Nike, Inc., named for the Greek goddess of victory, is the world's leading designer, marketer, and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Previously, Harris was a partner at Bain & Company and before that an advisor at Independent Retail & Wholesale Consultant. Earlier in her career, she worked with Abercrombie & Fitch as an associate financial analyst. Harris earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from Yale University.
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22. Eve Saltman
GoPro
Eve Saltman is the Vice President of Business/Corporate Development, General Counsel, and Secretary of GoPro. GoPro is a global movement whose business is driven by shared experiences. It manufactures action cameras and develops its own mobile apps and video-editing software. Saltman has over 31 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. She began her career in 1990. Before joining the company, Eve was a general counsel and secretary at Asana and before that a VP, general counsel, and secretary at Onlive. Earlier in her career, she worked with Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe as a senior associate. Saltman graduated from Cornell University with an undergraduate degree in history.
26. Jodi Benson
General Mills
Jodi Benson is the Chief Innovation, Technology, and Quality Officer of General Mills. She first joined the company in 2004 as director of strategy & innovation. General Mills is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods sold through retail stores. The company aims to be a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives, and reimagine new possibilities. Previously, Benson was a director of research and development for frozen and refrigerated products at Pillsbury Company, and before that, she was an engineer at Kraft Food. Benson earned an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota.
27. Jennifer Wiseman
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Jennifer Wiseman began her professional career over 33 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President Central Innovation of E. & J. Gallo Winery. E&J Gallo Winery engages in producing and distributing wines in the United States and internationally. Wiseman first got her start in 1988 as an R&D scientist at PepsiCo - Pepsi Beverages Company. From there, she went on to Procter & Gamble, before eventually rising to director of product evaluation and innovation at the Gillette Company, her most recent position before joining E. & J. Gallo Winery. Wiseman graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in food science and technology, sensory, statistics, and psychology.
31. Elaine Boltz
Crocs, Inc.
Elaine Boltz is the Chief Operating and Transformation Officer of Crocs, Inc. Crocs, Inc. is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for women, men, and children, combining comfort and style with a value that consumers know and love. Boltz has over 31 years in the consumer goods industry. Before joining the company, she was a CEO at Secundus Consulting and before that a member of the board of directors at Brinker International. Earlier in her career, she worked with RB as a brand manager for Woolite and French’s Mustard. Boltz graduated from Harvard Business School, with a Master of Business Administration degree and the University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree.
35. Allyson Sellers
Mary Kay Global
Allyson Sellers is the Vice President of Sales of Mary Kay Global. Mary Kay Inc. has been one of the most enduring and successful direct sellers of personal beauty, cosmetic, and skincare products in the world for more than 55 years, with the aim to enrich women's lives by making them feel confident, beautiful, and connected. Sellers has over 28 years of experience in the cosmetics industry. She began her career in 1993. Sellers graduated from the University of Dallas with a Master of Business Administration degree and from the University of North Texas with an undergraduate degree in journalism/public relations.
39. Katherine Adams
Apple
Katherine Adams is the General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Legal and Global Security at Apple. Apple is one of the most well-known consumer technology brands in the world, producing ubiquitous devices and software known for exceptional quality and innovation. In her role, Adams oversees all legal matters including corporate governance, intellectual property, litigation and securities compliance, global security, and privacy. She previously held roles at Honeywell and she started her career in law, having served as a partner at Sidley Austin LLP in New York; a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; a trial attorney for the United States Department of Justice, Appellate Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division; and as a law clerk for Stephen Breyer, then chief judge of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She received a Bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from Brown University and a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.
43. Elizabeth Door
Whirlpool Corporation
Elizabeth Door began her professional career over 26 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President and Chief Purchasing Officer of Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, with approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees, and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2020. Door first got her start in 1995 as a packaging engineer at General Motors and in service parts operations at General Motors before joining Whirlpool Corporation. Door graduated from Michigan State University with a Master of Business Administration degree and an undergraduate degree in package engineering.
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45. Lisa Schmidt
Gander Mountain
Lisa Schmidt is the Senior Vice President of Gander Mountain. Gander Mountain Company retails sporting goods and equipment. It offers outdoor apparel, footwear, binoculars, firearms, gun cleaners, black powder, soft cases, knives, bows, arm guards, air beds, coolers, reels, rods, watersports, boat hardware, and gift accessories. The company is a leading outdoor retailer that operates in local communities and online to serve all customers, no matter where they live. Their goal is to exceed service expectations and go the extra mile to ensure that their customers have a memorable experience.
47. Marcella Kanfer Rolnick
GOJO
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick is the Executive Chair of GOJO, a privately held skin care manufacturer best known for its Purell line of products. Drawing on a legacy of family leadership within the company, Rolnick focuses on the company's vision, long-term strategy, and governance. In her role, she champions innovation, adaptability, team-based co-creation, and lifelong learning. In addition to her current position, she currently serves on a variety of non- and for-profit boards.
Her most recent role prior to becoming Executive Chair was as vice chair for GOJO from 2007 to 2018. She has served in leadership positions throughout her career with GOJO, notably leading the launch of Purell Hand Sanitizer in the consumer market. Before GOJO, Rolnick worked in consulting, publishing, and boutique investments. She received her Master of Business Administration degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs.
47. Carey Jaros
GOJO
Carey Jaros serves as the President and CEO of GOJO, where she has dedicated her career to the company's mission to save lives and make lives better through well-being solutions. Jaros has further established GOJO, a manufacturer of skin care products such as the Purell line, as a market-making, growth-oriented, and customer-focused company throughout her tenure.
Previously, Jaros served as GOJO's chief strategy officer and then chief operating officer, before being promoted to her current position in January 2020. Prior to GOJO, she was the president of Walnut Ridge Strategic Management Company, was a vice president at Dealer Tire, and spent over a decade as a management consultant at Bain & Company. As an executive, investor, and advisor, she has worked in or with over 50 organizations throughout her impressive career. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy from Brown University and her Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
49. Samantha Harnett
Logitech
Samantha Harnett is the General Counsel of Logitech. Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people in a natural, intuitive way to the digital experiences they care about. Harnett has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. Before joining the company, she was chief legal and operations officer at Eventbrite. Before that, she was the general counsel and senior vice president of Business Development at ZipRealty. Earlier in her career, she worked with Gordon & Rees LLP as an associate. Harnett graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law, with a Juris Doctor in Law and from California State University, Chico with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
50. Claire Groen
Amway
Claire Groen is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Amway. Amway is an entrepreneur-led health and wellness company that sells health, beauty, and home care products based in Ada, Michigan. Groen is responsible for Amway's global human resources and utilizing talent management and global programs to support and deliver Amway's business strategies. She first got her start in 1998 as a shareholder at Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. before joining Amway. Groen graduated from Indiana University School of Law—Bloomington.
56. Denise Stump
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Denise Stump is the Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources and Chief Ethics Officer of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is an industry-leading lawn, garden, and outdoor living products company. Stump was named executive vice president in February 2003 and chief ethics officer in October 2013. She is responsible for worldwide human resources strategy and execution, including building leadership and organizational capability, ensuring HR operational excellence, and creating a diverse and highly engaged workforce. Since joining the company in September 2000, she has served as vice president of technology & operations; vice president of human resources, North America; and senior vice president of human resources worldwide.
61. Nancy Langdale
Canon USA
Nancy Langdale is the Vice President of Canon USA. Canon specializes in cameras, healthcare technologies, and business consultancy worldwide with its imaging innovation. The company specializes in optical, imaging, and industrial products, such as lenses, cameras, medical equipment, scanners, printers, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. As of 2020, Canon is organized into four principal business segments: the Office Business Unit, the Imaging System Business Unit, the Medical System Business Unit, and the Industry and Others Business Unit. Langdale has over 31 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. She began her career in 1990.
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62. Maria Salazar Levin
Valentino
Maria Salazar Levin began her professional career over 33 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Valentino. Valentino is a protagonist of international fashion, and from 2008 until 2016, has gone through an impactful creative evolution. Salazar first got her start in 1989 as an assistant buyer at Macy's. From there, she went on to Esprit de Corp., before eventually rising to founder at M marketing, her most recent position prior to joining Valentino. Salazar graduated from St. Thomas University with an undergraduate degree in communication arts.
76. Liz King
Tiffany & Co.
Liz King is the Vice President, Global Store Development of Tiffany & Co. She first joined the company in 2014 as Vice President, Global Store Planning. Tiffany & Company is an American multinational luxury jewelry and specialty retailer headquartered in New York City, United States. Previously, King was a principal at dev consulting and before that a director of retail construction at Apple. Earlier in her career, she worked with Gap Inc. as a project manager for retail construction and store design. King earned an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.
79. Maria Henry
Kimberly-Clark
Maria Henry is the Chief Financial Officer for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Kimberly-Clark is a multinational personal care corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products including well-known brands such as Cottonelle, Scott, Kleenex, and Huggies. In her current role, Henry has direct responsibility for finance, digital technology services, and global business services, and executes enterprise strategy. Before Kimberly-Clark, she was executive vice president and chief financial officer for The Hillshire Brands Company and was the chief financial officer of Sara Lee Corporation's North American Retail and Foodservice business. She also served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Culligan International and she currently serves on the board of directors for General Mills. She received her education at the University of Maryland.
85. Julie Zeiler
iRobot
Julie Zeiler is the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of iRobot. She first joined the company in 2017 as vice president of finance. iRobot, the leading global consumer robot company, designs and builds robots that empower people to do more both inside and outside of the home. Previously, Zeiler served in a number of senior financial leadership positions at Boston Scientific that included its global operations, European business, and major product lines, and has experience in financial management roles at Digital Equipment Corporation.
87. Sophie Lilley
Kiehl's
Sophie Lilley is the Vice President of Digital & E-Commerce of Kiehl's. Kiehl's is an American cosmetics brand retailer that specializes in skin, hair, and body care products. Lilley has over 16 years of experience in the cosmetics industry. She began her career in 2005. Before joining the company, she was a vice president of global business development at Urban Decay Cosmetics and before that a marketing director at YSL Beauty USA. Earlier in her career, she worked with Hitwise USA as a business analyst. Lilley graduated from New York University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
91. Stephanie Hart
Warby Parker
Stephanie Pullings Hart is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Warby Parker responsible for manufacturing, supply chain and customer experience. Prior to Warby Parker, Stephanie was the Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Beyond Meat. Her leadership in operations supported the company’s growth from $37 million to $405 million over a 3-year period while supporting their IPO. Stephanie had a 23 year career with Nestlé where she had roles of increasing responsibility in Operations in the United States, Switzerland and Australia. Stephanie was appointed to the Forum of Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum, a previous member of the Board of Directors for Nestlé Australia and Nestlé New Zealand. She holds an Executive MBA (Benedictine College, USA) and Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering (Florida State University, USA).
93. Carolyn Samuel
Boots Retail USA, Inc.
Carolyn Samuel is the Head of Communications at Boots Retail USA, Inc. Boots Retail USA, Inc is a modern consumer goods company that combines the best of traditional companies with the vibrancy and pace of a new digital-first business. Samuel has over 33 years in the cosmetics industry. Before joining the company, she was an EVP of marketing communications at Spool Marketing and Communications and before that, a communications director at Womenkind. Earlier in her career, she worked with Burson-Marsteller as an Account Executive. Samuel graduated from the University of Wales, with an undergraduate degree in English language and literature.
97. Caroline Machen
Reebok
Caroline Machen began her professional career over 17 years ago. Today, she is the VP of Global Marketing at Reebok. Reebok is a global brand with a deep fitness heritage and a mission to design and create the best gear and experiences for athletes around the globe.
Machen is a global marketing leader with significant experience in brand marketing, digital marketing, and social media. She first got her start in 2004 as an associate marketing manager at AOL, Platform A. From there, she went on to People.com, before eventually rising to senior director of polo global brand marketing at Ralph Lauren, her most recent position prior to joining Reebok. Machen graduated from Colgate University with an undergraduate degree in political science and english.
View the complete list of awardees.