Brazil: Petrobras’ CEO Elected as One of The Most Powerful Women in Business World

Fortune magazine elected Petrobras’ CEO, Maria da Graça Silva Foster, as one of the most powerful women in the business world in 2012. Graça Foster appears at the top of the global ranking of executives who work outside of the United States. This year, she was also listed on Time and Forbes magazines’ rankings.

Fortune used the following criteria to prepare the ranking and pick the winners: the nominees’ importance for the global economy, the health and management of the businesses, their careers, and their social and cultural relevance.

Graça Foster is a chemical engineer and the first woman to head Petrobras. In February 2012, she took over as Petrobras’ CEO after having served as the director for Gas & Energy at the Company and as the CEO of Petrobras Distribuidora.

In July, Fortune magazine announced its annual list of the world’s 500 largest businesses. Petrobras ranked 23rd overall, but lead the pack among the eight Brazilian companies featured on the list. With annual sales of US$145.9 billion, the Company rose 11 positions compared with the 2010-2011 period.

[mappress]
Press Release , September 23, 2012;  Image: Petrobras