![Indra Nooyi portrait](https://oiss.yale.edu/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/indra-nooyi.jpg?itok=vnSUifqL&c=b50a8c30214a2cf43bedac39ae05847f)
After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Madras and graduate studies from the Indian Institute of Management (Calcutta) in India, Nooyi traveled to the Yale School of Management (SOM). A member of only the third class to graduate from SOM, she received a master’s degree in public and private management in 1980. As a business executive, Nooyi had a long career at various companies before landing at Pepsi where she served as CEO for 12 years. Nooyi restructured the company with mergers and acquisitions and steered the company towards healthier options and promoted environmental sustainability.
Listed in the top ranks of the most Influential/powerful people in the world, Nooyi was a commanding female CEO in the business world. An inductee of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she has served on many governing boards including the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum and the International Rescue Committee. She is also a Successor Trustee of the Yale Corporation. As the staunchest supporter of the school, Nooyi has endowed the deanship of the School of Management.