Here’s a list of 10 prominent German businesswomen (or women leading major German companies) worth knowing in 2026. This selection balances established corporate leaders in DAX-listed firms with influential entrepreneurs, investors, and billionaires who shape key sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals, finance, consumer goods, and startups.
Corporate Leaders (DAX and Large Companies)
Belén Garijo — CEO of Merck KGaA (a leading science and technology company in pharmaceuticals and life sciences). She has been a pioneering female CEO in Germany’s DAX 40, serving as a long-standing role model for women in executive roles at major listed firms.
Bettina Orlopp — CEO of Commerzbank, one of Germany’s largest banks. She is among the small but growing group of women heading DAX companies, bringing expertise in finance and banking leadership.
Karin Rådström — CEO of Daimler Truck Holding. She leads one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers and became one of the first women to head a major German automotive-related DAX firm.
Helen Giza — CEO of Fresenius Medical Care. She is a global leader in dialysis and medical care services, contributing to the record number of female CEOs in Germany’s top listed companies.
Susanne Klatten — Major shareholder and influential figure at BMW (via her stakes in the Quandt family holdings) and other investments through Skion GmbH. She is Germany’s richest woman and one of the world’s wealthiest female billionaires, with significant influence in automotive and pharmaceuticals.
Entrepreneurs and Emerging/ Influential Figures
Lea-Sophie Cramer — Co-founder of Amorelie (a successful intimate lifestyle brand) and co-founder of Ten More In, a platform supporting women in leadership. She is frequently highlighted as a champion for female entrepreneurship and empowerment in Germany’s startup scene.
Diana zur Löwen — Founder of Melationship and Rawr Ventures; a prominent financial educator, startup investor, and influencer blending finance, beauty, and entrepreneurship. She stands out in the new generation of visible German women building brands and ventures.
Anna Katharina Viessmann — Board member and heiress involved with the Viessmann Group (a major player in heating, cooling, and energy solutions). She represents the influential next generation in German family businesses focused on climate and industrial tech.
Miriam Wohlfarth — Co-CEO and co-founder of Banxware, a Berlin-based fintech providing embedded finance solutions. She has been recognized in awards like the Bold Woman Award for redefining leadership in financial technology.
Bettine Schmitz — Founder and partner at Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, a VC fund focused on investing in female-founded startups. She plays a key role in Germany’s venture capital ecosystem, helping address funding gaps for women entrepreneurs.
Germany has seen gradual progress in female leadership, with women now holding over 25% of senior management positions in DAX 40 companies for the first time and four female CEOs among them.
However, representation at the very top remains limited compared to some Western peers, and many influential women come from family-owned businesses or the dynamic startup/VC scene.This list is not exhaustive—other notable figures include entrepreneurs like Toyah Diebel (Buttz GmbH) or media/digital leaders—but these ten highlight a mix of corporate power, wealth, innovation, and inspiration. Many actively mentor or advocate for greater diversity in German business. For the latest developments, check sources like manager magazine's Top 100 Frauen or Russell Reynolds reports on DAX leadership.
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