17. Carol Meyrowitz
Age: 56
The discount retailer, with brands like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, has seen its customer base expand during the recession. Meyrowitz, who started out as an assistant buyer at Saks, increased profits 38% and saw revenue surpass $20 billion.
NEXT: Judy McGrath
Last updated September 30 2010: 2:47 PM ET
