Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is a distinguished businesswoman known for her transformative leadership as the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company, Xerox, and her ongoing advocacy for inclusive capitalism and racial equity. After being named CEO of Xerox in 2009, Ursula Burns made history as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Burns began her career at Xerox Corporation as a summer intern in 1980 while completing her Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York, awarded the same year. She officially joined the company in 1981 after earning her Master of Science degree in engineering from Columbia University, working in product development and planning roles.

Her leadership trajectory progressed through various executive positions, including executive assistant to Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Allaire in 1991, Vice-President for Global Manufacturing in 1999, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Services in 2000. She further advanced to President of Business Group Operations in 2002 and President of Xerox in 2007. Burns continued to shape Xerox’s strategic direction, serving as Chairman from 2010 to 2017. During her tenure, she spearheaded the largest acquisition in Xerox history, the $6.4 billion purchase of Affiliated Computer Services, shortly after becoming CEO.

Demonstrating a commitment to public service, Burns led the White House national STEM program and served on the President’s Export Council under President Barack Obama. In 2021, Burns co-founded the private equity firm Integrum Holdings, expanding her influence in the financial sector. She further shared her insights and experiences in her acclaimed 2021 memoir, ‘Where You Are Is Not Who You Are.’ An outspoken advocate, Burns continues to champion inclusive capitalism and racial equity, leveraging her extensive experience to drive meaningful change in business and society.