In the world of business, some of the most notable CEOs who have led their companies to significant success are women. Recent research by the investment app Nemo showcases the outstanding performance of three high-profile female leaders and compares it to that of their male counterparts. The findings demonstrate the impressive results these women have achieved in various industries, including automobiles, semiconductors, and consultancy, underscoring the power of female leadership in driving business success.
| Stock before CEO started | Stock now | Percentage change | Stock in the past year | |
| Automobiles | ||||
| General Motors | $29.68 | $44.67 | 50.51% | 33.48% |
| Stellantis | $13.05 | $15.21 | 16.55% | -20.07% |
| Ford Motor Company | $5.71 | $10.45 | 83.01% | -14.88% |
| Semiconductors | ||||
| Advanced Micro Devices | $2.95 | $149.86 | 4980% | 42.30% |
| Intel Corporation | $56.82 | $19.64 | -65.43% | -49.49% |
| NVIDIA | $12 | $116.90 | 874.17% | 170.89% |
| Consultancy | ||||
| Accenture | $181.84 | $350.87 | 92.96% | 11.88% |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions | $62.20 | $77.10 | 23.96% | 9.95% |
| Marsh & McLennan | $161.86 | $229.74 | 41.93% | 16.12% |
The CEOs and Their Performance
Nemo’s research highlights Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who took the helm in 2014. Under her leadership, GM’s stock price has risen by 50.51%, from $29.68 to $44.67. When compared to her competitors, GM stands out. For instance, Stellantis, led by Carlos Tavares since 2021, saw its stock increase by just 16.55% from $13.05 to $15.21. Additionally, Ford Motor Company’s stock has risen by 80% under Jim Farley’s leadership, though the company faced a 14.88% decrease over the past year.
In the semiconductor industry, Lisa Su’s leadership at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has been nothing short of extraordinary. Taking over in 2014, AMD’s stock price has soared by an astounding 4980%, from $2.95 to $149.86. In contrast, Intel Corporation, led by Patrick Gelsinger since 2021, saw its stock decline by 65.43%, from $56.82 to $19.64. NVIDIA, another semiconductor giant, has also performed well under founder Jensen Huang, though its stock rise of 874.17% does not compare to AMD’s meteoric rise.
Julie Sweet’s leadership at Accenture has seen a 92.96% increase in the company’s stock value since she became CEO in 2019. Under her guidance, Accenture’s stock price has grown from $181.84 to $350.87. Meanwhile, competitors in the professional services industry, such as Cognizant Technology Solutions and Marsh & McLennan, have seen smaller increases of 23.96% and 41.93%, respectively.
Key Findings and Insights
The report reveals several key insights. Female CEOs who have a long history with their companies, such as Barra, Su, and Sweet, tend to deliver stronger results due to their deep operational knowledge. This trend highlights the value of leadership longevity and the in-depth understanding these women bring to their organisations.
Nemo’s Nicholas Scott noted, “We found it insightful to compare these three highly successful CEOs to their male counterparts. General Motors, AMD, and Accenture are outperforming many of their competitors under female leadership.”
The report also emphasises the broader impact of female leadership, showing that companies led by women are not only outperforming their competitors but also setting an example for future generations of female business leaders.
Conclusion
The data presented in Nemo’s report underscores the success and resilience of female CEOs in driving company growth and performance. From the automotive industry to semiconductors and consultancy, the success of Mary Barra, Lisa Su, and Julie Sweet is clear evidence of the positive impact women can have in leadership roles. As more women take on top leadership positions, the business world can look forward to continued success and innovation.