Business has its ups and downs, and so, naturally, do women in business. (Bye-bye, Martha!) But the story of this list is one of achievement: The credentials of these women, including the 13 newcomers, are the strongest yet. By Katie Benner, Eugenia Levenson, and Rupali Arora |  |  |  | 49 of 50 | 49. Julia Stewart 2006 rank: New
Age: 52
After the acquisition of Applebee's, where Stewart once headed the U.S. division, she will helm the nation's largest casual-dining chain. Systemwide sales are expected to reach about $7 billion this year. Since becoming CEO in 2002, Stewart has shored up IHOP's finances. Wall Street likes Stewart, and likes the merger too - the stock is up 40%.
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