Lubna S. Olayan - CEO 

Olayan is the CEO of Olayan Financing Company, which is based in Riyadh. Coming from a conservative background, Olayan has come a long way. She had to battle not only men in her way to the top but also the society, which disapproves of women in finance. Olayan is such a powerful business tycoon that 40 manufacturing companies are dependent on her. No wonder Forbes has listed her on their "Most Powerful Women List." She joined the family business during the early 80s, again a time where women were seen as home-makers and not businesswomen. It is a social taboo for women to work in any business in Saudi Arabia but Olayan has broken all these rules and restrictions. This is the reason why very few women work in her company as well. Typically Saudi women are supposed to be illiterate but Olayan is anything but. She respects her religion and tradition a lot but does not consider it as a restrictive element. Lucky for her, she too got the familial support. Still, she has determination, skill and intelligence which have helped her reach great heights. Additionally, she became the first female board member of Saudi Hollandi Bank in the year 2004. She has also served as a board member of Capital Union and Egyptian Finance Company.