NEW YORK — Fortune has launched its inaugural “Next to Lead” list, showcasing 25 high-performing executives from Fortune 500 companies who are widely seen as potential future CEOs. This new annual initiative is designed to identify and celebrate the next generation of top-tier corporate leaders who are not only delivering strong results but also demonstrating visionary leadership across their organizations.
Drawn from a range of sectors—including technology, retail, financial services, healthcare, and industrials—the selected executives embody the qualities and track records that Fortune believes signal readiness for the C-suite. The 2024 cohort features 11 women, underlining progress in gender representation at the senior executive level, though women still remain underrepresented in top corporate roles.
Among the standout leaders on this year’s list is Megan Crozier, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant at Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart. Crozier has played a pivotal role in elevating the company’s private-label strategy, most notably through the Member’s Mark brand. Under her leadership, Member’s Mark saw a 46% revenue jump over five years, helping Sam’s Club hit $86.2 billion in total revenue for fiscal year 2024. Her strategic vision and ability to align merchandising with consumer demand have positioned her as a strong contender for future CEO roles within Walmart or beyond.
Craig Williams, President of Geographies and Marketplace at Nike, is another honoree recognized for transforming global operations. Since taking over Nike’s Jordan Brand in 2019, Williams has more than doubled its revenue, turning it into a cultural and commercial juggernaut. In his current role, he oversees Nike’s global regions, marketplace strategy, and logistics—a portfolio that directly impacts the company’s supply chain agility and retail footprint. Williams’ previous senior roles at Coca-Cola, including President of the McDonald’s Division Worldwide, bring additional depth to his executive résumé.
Also featured on the list is Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, who has been instrumental in leading Microsoft’s gaming division through a phase of ambitious innovation. Bond is spearheading efforts to build a platform-agnostic gaming ecosystem, making Xbox services more accessible across devices. She was a central figure in Microsoft’s acquisition strategy for Activision Blizzard, a deal that could redefine the landscape of global gaming. A Harvard and Yale graduate, Bond brings a blend of consulting, corporate strategy, and board-level governance through her directorship at Zuora.
The selection process for the “Next to Lead” list was rigorous and data-driven. Fortune evaluated candidates based on a multifaceted set of criteria, including business performance, industry impact, leadership qualities, social and cultural influence, and long-term consistency. Input was gathered from executive search firms, board members, management consultants, and former and current CEOs, adding both qualitative and quantitative rigor to the vetting process.
“This list is more than a prediction of who might wear the CEO title next—it’s a recognition of executives already leading at the highest levels of complexity,” said Fortune’s editorial team in a statement. “The honorees are driving innovation, managing scale, and building cultures that reflect today’s business and societal priorities.”
The “Next to Lead” initiative also aims to shine a spotlight on leadership pipelines in corporate America, an area that continues to draw scrutiny amid ongoing conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. With rising expectations around ESG (environmental, social, governance) performance and digital transformation, today’s future CEOs will face a markedly different set of challenges than their predecessors.
By identifying these individuals now, Fortune seeks to provide early recognition of those who are shaping the future of business. In doing so, the list also serves as a resource for boards, recruiters, and analysts tracking leadership trends in the corporate world.
