Women Leaders Take on Influential Roles Across the US In October

With numerous leadership appointments made in different industries, October 2025 was largely about the rise of women in leadership in the USA. From technology and beauty to manufacturing and sports, these appointments reflect the increasing corporate consciousness toward gender diversity in the country and the realization that women bring unique strategic insight, along with operational excellence, to the table. 

This new generation of female leadership signals a more profound cultural and economic shift-one placing a premium on inclusivity and progressive management as integral parts of long-term success. The appointments this month show confidence not just in the ability of American women to lead high-performing teams but also a conscious shift towards a more balanced and adaptable organizations in the vicinity. 

From overseeing large-scale operations to setting marketing direction, from joining global boards to representing global brands-these women personify professionalism, innovation, and grit. With their richly diverse experience and leadership styles, they will shape industries toward a more inclusive and progressive future and yet again prove that the contributions of women, whether in boardrooms or elsewhere, have become integral for sustainable growth and innovation in an evolving global landscape. 

Global Woman Leader highlights some of the most noteworthy appointments announced in October. These women leaders’ achievements and vision stand as powerful examples of influence and inspiration for future leaders. 

Madison Reed Appoints Nancy Bigley as President of Stores

Madison Reed named Nancy Bigley to the new position of President of Stores, reporting directly to the CEO and Founder Amy Errett. In her new role, Nancy will be responsible for leading the operations for Madison Reed's 97 Hair Color Bar locations nationwide, spearheading the future expansion of the brand, and building franchise strategies.  

With more than two decades of experience in managing multi-unit and franchise businesses-including her previous work at Unleashed Brands, Bottle and Bottega, and Dunkin' Brands-Nancy brings vast experience in operational growth. She comes in to further accelerate the fast-growing Hair Color Bar business of Madison Reed, which has grown eightfold since 2020. Nancy was excited about the opportunity to help improve the brand's guest experience while further developing its omnichannel growth and company culture. 

Sara Foster Appointed Global Ambassador of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics 

Bobbi​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Brown Cosmetics has named Sara Foster, the actress and entrepreneur, its next Global Ambassador in a multi-year collaboration based on the brand's "Effortlessly Put-Together" campaign. The campaign is about a confident person who expresses it in a simple way; thus, the campaign is a perfect match for Foster whose way of beauty and life is without any ​‍​‌‍​‍‌fuss. 

Well-known as the cofounder of Favorite Daughter and cohost of The World's First Podcast, Foster embodies the Bobbi Brown philosophy of real, everyday beauty. Her​‍​‌‍​‍‌ initial campaign comprises of three bestsellers: the Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, Skin Corrector Stick, and Extra Plump Lip Serum, and will be available worldwide from October 2025. Along with the collaboration, the presence will be scattered over social, digital, and in-store touchpoints, thus giving an insight into the making of the content and the energizing storytelling of Sara's invincible ​‍​‌‍​‍‌voice. 

Cate Lochead Appointed as Bentley Systems’ New CMO

Bentley Systems announced that it has named Cate Lochead as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Cate brings 20-plus years of experience in enterprise software marketing to Bentley, having held leadership positions at Oracle, Intuit, and a variety of AI, data, and security-focused software companies. Her deep experience in driving the market adoption of advanced technologies is especially relevant to Bentley's current opportunity for AI-powered engineering applications, enabling better infrastructure productivity and outcomes.  

CEO Nicholas Cumins added that Cate's leadership will bridge technology innovation with measurable results in efficiency, quality, and reliability. Bentley serves the sectors of transportation, water, energy, cities, and mining, and is to host its annual Year in Infrastructure Conference in Amsterdam featuring the Going Digital Awards. 

Celine Martin Joins H.B. Fuller Board of Directors

H.B.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Fuller Company made an announcement regarding Celine Martin who became the company’s new Board of Directors. Her position to get effective from December 1, 2025. Celine has over thirty years of global experience in the MedTech industry in surgical, cardiology, endovascular and neurovascular segments which allows her to help the company to deepen its commitment to the most rapidly developing medical markets. ​‍​‌‍​‍‌ 

 Most recently, she served as Company Group Chairman, Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions at Johnson & Johnson from 2022 to 2025 and previously led Ethicon’s surgical instrument business. Her appointment aligns with H.B. Fuller's strategy to drive customer-centered innovation and achieve over 20% EBITDA margin. Celine, who has an MBA from Wake Forest University, expressed excitement in supporting H.B. Fuller's mission to improve patient care and to drive long-term value creation with technology and innovation. 

Valerie Camillo Named as New Chairperson of Women's Tennis Association 

Recently, Valerie​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Camillo has been designated by the Women's Tennis Association to be its new Chairperson, starting from November 17. She succeeded Steve Simon, who was leading the organization for almost ten ​‍​‌‍​‍‌years. She brings extensive experience in revenue growth, marketing, and fan engagement, with over 20 years in major U.S. sports leadership, notably senior positions with the NBA, Washington Nationals, and Philadelphia Flyers.  

Her appointment shows the direction in which WTA is going: one with a much stronger commercial focus and modern governance. She takes over with the PTPA's antitrust claims continuing and with the merger talks with the ATP. After 2024's revenue increase of 25% with WTA Ventures, Valerie's strategic vision can be expected to further drive global growth, brand partnerships, and equal opportunities for women's tennis.