7 - DENISE MORRISON, CEO Campbell Soup
Next we move to the first woman on our list - and the only one with a degree in economics and psychology - Denise Morrison, who is in charge of brands from Campbell Soup to Prego, Pepperidge Farm, V8, Bolthouse Farms and Plum Organics.
Pathway to the top: Like many CPG high-flyers, Morrison began her career in sales at Procter & Gamble, and held senior marketing, sales and leadership roles at Kraft, Nabisco, Nestle and PepsiCo before joining Campbell in 2003 as president of global sales and chief customer officer.
She rapidly moved up the ranks, becoming president of Campbell USA; president of the North America soup, sauces and beverages business; and executive vice president and chief operating officer, before becoming president and CEO in 2011.
Education: Morrison has a bachelor's degree in economics and psychology from Boston College.