Next to Lead: The 25 Most Powerful Rising Executives in the Fortune 500 Methodology (2024)
The inaugural Fortune Next to Lead: The 25 Most Powerful Rising Executives in the Fortune 500 list recognizes an elite group of executives who have demonstrated extraordinary potential to shape the future of business and emerge as the next generation of Fortune 500 CEOs at America’s largest corporations.
Fortune MPRE sits under the Fortune Next to Lead umbrella, which tracks shifting power dynamics in the Fortune 500 C-suite and highlights what it takes to ascend to the pinnacle of corporate leadership.
Fortune evaluates candidates through in-depth reporting and insights from executive search firms, recruiters, management consulting firms, current and former CEOs, and board members, particularly those on an executive committee.
MPRE candidates are assessed based on the following factors:
Role and position
- Hold a top leadership or high-ranking executive role within a Fortune 500 company or its subsidiary, and lead an organization or division with significant global or industry-wide influence.
Financial and business performance
- Drive exceptional financial outcomes, including revenue growth, profitability, or increased market share.
- Successfully steer their organization or division through complex challenges such as economic downturns or industry disruptions.
Vision and leadership
- Lead transformative innovation, strategy, or organizational evolution, display exemplary decision-making, and inspire teams to deliver exceptional results.
Global or industry influence
- Influence not only their organization but also the broader industry and global market.
- Act as a visionary or trendsetter who redefines business norms and elevates the competitive landscape.
Cultural and social impact
- Drive meaningful progress in diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
- Leverage their platform to advocate for societal change and lead initiatives that extend beyond their company.
Longevity and consistency
- Demonstrate a sustained track record of leadership excellence and have built a lasting legacy of impact.
Why it matters
Making it onto the Most Powerful Rising Executives list is more than an honor—it’s an acknowledgment of exceptional talent, influence, and the promise of shaping the future of corporate America. This year’s process included comprehensive interviews and assessments, ensuring that each individual recognized stands out among the best and brightest.
By highlighting these leaders on the CEO fast track, Fortune shines a spotlight on executives defining the next era of success and innovation at the highest levels of business.