Calling All Visionaries: CNBC Opens Nominations for the 2027 Changemakers List

As the global business landscape undergoes a period of profound transformation, defined by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and a renewed focus on sustainable capitalism, the role of women in the C-suite has never been more pivotal. CNBC has officially launched its call for nominations for the fourth annual "Changemakers" list, a premier initiative designed to identify and celebrate the women who are not merely navigating these shifts, but actively steering them.

This initiative serves as more than a list of accolades; it is a diagnostic tool for the health of corporate leadership, highlighting the women who exercise significant control over capital, corporate strategy, and technological innovation. As nominations open, the search is on for the architects of 2026’s most influential business and philanthropic breakthroughs.

The Mandate: Recognizing Influence and Innovation

The CNBC Changemakers list is distinct in its methodology, focusing on tangible impact rather than nominal titles. The initiative seeks to honor leaders whose contributions in 2026 have demonstrably expanded the boundaries of what is possible within their respective industries.

"Women continue to take on roles with greater control over capital, strategy and technology at some of the world’s most consequential businesses," CNBC stated in its launch announcement. The goal is to illuminate those who are solving legacy business problems with novel approaches and uncovering new market opportunities that were previously ignored or deemed unattainable.

For those looking to participate, the window of opportunity is finite. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The final cohort of honorees will be unveiled in February 2027, setting the tone for the business agenda in the year to come.

Criteria for Selection: Defining the Modern Leader

To ensure the integrity and impact of the list, CNBC has established rigorous eligibility requirements. The program focuses on organizations that hold significant weight in the global economy. Specifically, candidates must be leaders at companies or philanthropic organizations that meet at least one of the following financial benchmarks:

• Annual Revenue: At least $25 million in annual revenue in at least one of the past three fiscal years.
• Private Enterprise Value: An enterprise value of at least $100 million.
• Public Enterprise Value: An enterprise value of at least $250 million.

These thresholds ensure that the selected Changemakers are operating at a scale where their decisions have ripple effects across global supply chains, labor markets, and investor ecosystems.

A Legacy of Leadership: The Evolution of the Changemakers

The 2027 list arrives as the culmination of three years of sustained research into the changing face of executive leadership. Since its inception, the Changemakers project has evolved from a spotlight on high-achieving women into a broader commentary on the democratization of power.

• 2024: The inaugural list focused on the pioneers, establishing the framework for identifying leaders who were breaking through the "glass ceiling" in traditional finance and technology.
• 2025: The second cohort emphasized "leadership in the age of disruption," focusing on how women navigated post-pandemic economic volatility and the initial tremors of the generative AI boom.
• 2026: This list shifted the focus toward "operational dominance," highlighting women who had transitioned from mid-level management to key decision-making roles involving high-stakes capital allocation.

By examining the trajectories of these past cohorts, it becomes clear that the "Changemaker" archetype has evolved from a role of advocacy to one of pure operational and technological leadership.

The Advisory Board: Guiding the Selection Process

CNBC does not curate this list in a vacuum. The process is guided by the CNBC Changemakers Advisory Board, a body comprised of veteran leaders from across the worlds of business, finance, and philanthropy.

The board’s role is to ensure that the criteria remain relevant to the current economic climate while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the board ensures that the final list reflects the true breadth of innovation occurring globally, rather than focusing solely on a single sector or geographical region. Their guidance ensures that the weight given to innovation, financial growth, and societal impact is calibrated correctly for the current year’s unique challenges.

The Role of AI in Redefining Leadership

The 2027 Changemakers cycle is notably underscored by the theme of the AI revolution. Alongside the nomination process, CNBC has placed a spotlight on its podcast, CNBC Changemakers with Julia Boorstin, which features deep-dive conversations with women who are at the vanguard of the artificial intelligence era.

This focus is not incidental. The shift toward AI-integrated operations requires a new breed of leadership—one that can balance the ethics of data privacy with the aggressive pursuit of technological efficiency. The podcast series serves as a companion piece to the nomination process, offering a window into the mindsets of leaders who are currently redefining the industry standards for AI implementation.

Implications for Corporate Governance

The search for the 2027 Changemakers carries significant implications for the broader discourse on corporate governance. As investors and shareholders increasingly prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors—and specifically, the diversity of the board and C-suite—the CNBC list acts as a valuable resource for identifying top-tier talent.

1. The Capital Allocation Perspective

By requiring that nominees have control over capital, CNBC is highlighting a crucial aspect of gender parity: the ability to deploy resources. True equality in business is often measured not by the number of seats at the table, but by the size of the budget one commands. The 2027 list will emphasize the women who are directing the flow of billions of dollars toward innovation and growth.

2. Strategy and Long-term Value

The inclusion criteria reflect a growing understanding that diversity is a proxy for robust decision-making. Organizations with women in top-tier leadership roles have, in many studies, shown a higher propensity for long-term strategic thinking and risk mitigation.

3. Mentorship and Pipeline Development

The Changemakers initiative also serves as a pedagogical tool. By showcasing the paths these women took to reach their current positions, the list provides a roadmap for the next generation of business leaders. It demystifies the climb to the top, showing that success is a combination of technical mastery, strategic foresight, and the ability to build coalitions.

How to Submit a Nomination

The nomination process is open to the public and industry peers alike. Interested parties can access the official nomination portal via CNBC Changemakers Nominations.

When preparing a nomination, it is recommended that nominators focus on:

• Specific Achievements in 2026: Quantitative data is highly encouraged. Cite specific projects, revenue growth metrics, or technological deployments led by the nominee.
• Scope of Influence: Describe how the nominee’s work extended beyond their immediate team to influence the broader organization or industry.
• Innovation: Detail the "novel approach" mentioned in the criteria. How did the nominee challenge the status quo or solve an entrenched problem?

Conclusion: The Future is Being Built Now

The CNBC Changemakers list is a reflection of the reality that the business world is currently in a state of flux. The leaders who will define the next decade are those who are successfully integrating human capital with machine intelligence, managing complex global teams, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both profitability and purpose.

As we look toward February 2027, the anticipation surrounding the announcement is a testament to the influence these women wield. Whether in the halls of Silicon Valley, the trading floors of Wall Street, or the boardrooms of global philanthropic organizations, the 2027 Changemakers are the ones setting the agenda.

Do you know a leader who fits this profile? Do you have a colleague who has redefined their sector in the last year? The opportunity to shine a light on their work is now. Submit your nomination before the Dec. 4 deadline and help highlight the voices and visions that are shaping the future of global business.

For further insights into the conversations happening at the highest levels of industry, don’t forget to subscribe to the CNBC Changemakers podcast, where the themes of leadership and transformation are explored in depth by the very women who are living them every day.