Leaders in manufacturing and technology among world’s most powerful women

German Chancellor Angela Merkel topped the Forbes list of the most powerful women in the world for the seventh time this year.

But alongside heads of state, philanthropists, celebrities and business leaders in other sectors, women in manufacturing and technology companies also made a good showing.

The highest ranking female industrial influence on the list is Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, who is leading a charge on increasing revenues at the global FMCG manufacturer this year –  last quarter revenues increased 1.2% on the same period last year to reach $13 billion.

Ms Nooyi has featured on Forbes list before. But among industrial new comers to the 2013 publication is Maryllin Hewson, CEO of aerospace and defence giant Lockheed Martin, who features at No. 34.

Ms Hewson took up her position in January this year but has served with Lockheed Martin for 30 years.

Manufacturing and technology leaders to feature on the list span a diverse range of sectors from aerospace and defence to food and drink. And from garments to semiconductors and telecoms.

Disappointingly however for UK industry, the only British women to qualify a mention in Forbes’ index of influence were the Queen, and author JK Rowling who were placed at 40 and 93 respectively.

A full list of the female manufacturing and technology leaders recognised by Forbes this year can be seen below.