Estelle Brachlianoff

Estelle Brachlianoff runs the niche yet vital utility giant Veolia, a Global 500 company that specializes in energy generation and waste and ­water management. She became CEO in 2022 after stints as the company’s COO and the head of U.K. and Ireland operations. ­Veolia has a sprawling global business—it employs over 215,000 people and makes 40% of its revenue outside Europe. As Veolia’s chief, Brachlianoff has ­presided over its $28 billion acquisition of longtime French rival Suez, and has launched a strategic reorganization of the company.

Sustainability is integral to Veolia’s operations, and Brachlianoff has championed the cause: The company was heavily involved in cleaning up the iconic Seine River in Paris ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. Veolia is also increasing its focus on AI and clean energy. To promote careers in ecological transformation, Brach­lianoff recently announced the launch of an academy dedicated to training future experts in the sector. Her influence extends beyond the world of water: She sits on the supervisory board of Hermès International, the luxury handbag maker.