Reshma Kewalramani, the CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2025. The list, curated in partnership with Rolex, includes leaders from 32 countries.
Kewalramani is being honored for her leadership at Vertex, particularly for securing FDA approval for the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease. Jason Kelly, CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, praised her visionary approach to drug development, noting her ability to push scientific boundaries while navigating the drug approval process. Kewalramani also serves on the board of Ginkgo Bioworks.
Kewalramani's journey includes immigrating to the U.S. from India at age 11. She became the first woman to head a major publicly traded biotech firm in the U.S. when she was appointed CEO of Vertex in 2020. She also serves on boards for organizations such as the Biomedical Science Careers Program and the Massachusetts General Hospital Board of Trustees.