Shaping the Future: CNBC Opens Nominations for the 2027 Changemakers List

As the global business landscape undergoes a period of profound transformation—driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, shifting geopolitical realities, and an evolving definition of corporate responsibility—the role of leadership has never been more critical. To honor the architects of this change, CNBC has officially opened the nomination window for its fourth annual Changemakers list, a prestigious recognition dedicated to women who are redefining the boundaries of innovation, strategy, and influence.

The 2027 edition of the list seeks to spotlight those who not only navigated the complexities of the 2026 fiscal year but also leveraged their positions to catalyze systemic growth and social impact. As the corporate world moves beyond traditional management paradigms, CNBC aims to highlight the women who are increasingly wielding control over capital, emerging technology, and global strategy.

The Call for Nominations: Criteria and Logistics

For those looking to participate in this year’s selection process, the window of opportunity is time-sensitive. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, December 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The final cohort will be unveiled in February 2027, setting the tone for the year’s leadership discourse.

To ensure the list reflects the scale and impact required for such a distinction, CNBC has established rigorous eligibility requirements. Nominees must hold senior leadership roles within organizations—including corporate entities and philanthropic foundations—that meet specific financial benchmarks:

• Revenue Requirements: Organizations must have generated at least $25 million in annual revenue during at least one of the past three years.
• Valuation Thresholds: For private companies, an enterprise value of at least $100 million is required; for public companies, that threshold rises to $250 million.

The nomination portal is now live at changemakersnominations.cnbc.com, where interested parties can submit details regarding the candidate’s contributions to business growth, innovation, and industry leadership.

A Chronology of Influence: Three Years of Changemakers

The CNBC Changemakers initiative is not merely an annual award; it is a developing archive of the most significant shifts in modern business leadership.

2024: The Inaugural Class

The launch of the list in 2024 served as a watershed moment for CNBC, establishing a platform to identify women who had successfully steered their organizations through post-pandemic volatility. The inaugural group was characterized by resilience and the ability to pivot amidst supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

2025: Scaling Impact

By 2025, the focus shifted toward "scaling impact." The women recognized in the second year were noted for their ability to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into core business models, proving that ethical leadership and high-level profitability were not mutually exclusive.

2026: The AI Inflection Point

The 2026 list reflected a dramatic pivot toward technological fluency. As generative AI began to dominate boardroom conversations, the women featured were those who had successfully integrated machine learning and automated systems into their operational workflows, demonstrating a masterful command of the "AI revolution."

Data-Driven Leadership: The Metrics of Success

What distinguishes the CNBC Changemakers from other leadership indices is the heavy reliance on tangible outcomes. The selection process is overseen by the CNBC Changemakers Advisory Board, a group of seasoned industry veterans and philanthropic leaders. This board is tasked with weighing the "weight" of a nominee’s influence—assessing not just their job title, but the actual volume of capital they command and the reach of their strategic decisions.

Quantifying the "Changemaker" Effect

The criteria for selection are intentionally multifaceted. While financial performance remains a baseline requirement, the advisory board evaluates candidates on:

1. Innovation Velocity: How quickly and effectively the nominee has adopted new technologies to solve legacy business problems.
2. Market Expansion: The extent to which the nominee has opened new verticals or expanded their organization’s footprint into untapped markets.
3. Human Capital Development: The nominee’s track record in mentoring the next generation of leaders and fostering inclusive corporate cultures.
4. Philanthropic Integration: The degree to which the nominee uses their professional platform to address systemic societal issues.

Official Perspectives: The Advisory Board’s Mandate

The Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and inclusivity of the list. By leveraging their diverse backgrounds in finance, technology, and social enterprise, board members ensure that the list does not become an "echo chamber" of conventional corporate success.

"Our goal is to identify those who are not just playing the game, but changing the rules," a representative from the board noted. By focusing on women who are "taking novel approaches to old business problems," the board looks for candidates who exhibit a blend of intellectual courage and operational precision.

The inclusion of philanthropic leaders on the board is a deliberate choice, signaling that modern leadership requires a holistic view of an organization’s role in the global community. Whether through climate initiatives, educational equity, or health access, the Changemakers are expected to demonstrate that business success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the wider world.

Implications for the Future of Business Leadership

The search for the 2027 class comes at a time when the "glass ceiling" is being replaced by what experts call the "digital and strategic gap." The implications of this search are far-reaching:

1. The Normalization of Female-Led Innovation

By consistently highlighting women at the helm of $100M+ enterprises, CNBC is helping to normalize the presence of female leadership in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as heavy manufacturing, deep tech, and venture capital. This visibility is essential for pipeline development, providing tangible role models for mid-career professionals.

2. Redefining "Leadership" in the Age of AI

The ongoing CNBC Changemakers podcast series, hosted by Julia Boorstin, has highlighted a critical trend: the shift toward "agile leadership." In an era where AI can automate rote tasks, the value of a leader is increasingly tied to their ability to provide strategic vision and ethical oversight. The 2027 list will likely feature leaders who have mastered the art of "human-in-the-loop" management, ensuring that technology serves the organization’s mission rather than dictating it.

3. The Democratization of Influence

The nomination process, which is open to the public, ensures that the list is not limited to those in the "inner circles" of corporate America. By allowing for peer-to-peer and internal nominations, CNBC captures a broader range of talent—including those leading high-growth private firms or social ventures that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional financial reporting.

A Call to Action for the Business Community

As we approach the deadline in December, the business community is encouraged to look beyond their own immediate networks. The Changemakers list thrives on the discovery of hidden leaders—those who are quietly executing massive turnarounds or pioneering new business models in less-publicized sectors.

"We want to see the work that is succeeding, innovating, and driving change," says the CNBC editorial team. "The 2027 list will be a testament to those who didn’t wait for the future to happen, but instead created it."

For those seeking inspiration or insight into the leadership styles that are defining this era, the CNBC Changemakers podcast offers a deep dive into the lives and philosophies of these trailblazers. As the podcast explores how these women are "breaking barriers and transforming industries," it provides a masterclass in modern executive decision-making.

The 2027 Changemakers list will serve as a definitive guide for investors, policymakers, and aspiring leaders to understand the pulse of the global economy. By nominating a leader today, you are contributing to the record of those who will, without doubt, define the business landscape for years to come.

Submit your nominations by December 4, 2026, and help recognize the women who are shaping the world of tomorrow.