Ursula Burns

Ursula M. Burns is a distinguished American businesswoman renowned for her groundbreaking leadership as the CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. As the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Burns not only broke barriers but also set a precedent for future generations of leaders. Under her guidance, Xerox underwent significant transformations, including the successful acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services and the strategic split into two independent companies, Xerox Corporation and Conduent Incorporated, in 2016. Her tenure was marked by a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, which helped stabilize the company during challenging times.

Burns began her career at Xerox as a summer intern in 1980, quickly ascending through various engineering and management roles. By 2007, she was appointed president of Xerox, and her collaborative partnership with then-CEO Anne Mulcahy was pivotal in steering the company from near-bankruptcy to profitability. Burns’ leadership style, characterized by transparency and strategic foresight, earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in business, with Forbes ranking her among the top 50 women globally multiple times.

Beyond her role at Xerox, Burns has served on the boards of several major corporations, including Uber and American Express, and has held significant positions in various organizations, such as chairwoman of the President’s Export Council under President Obama. Her influence extends into the realm of education and community service, where she actively promotes STEM initiatives and supports numerous non-profit organizations.

In 2021, Burns co-founded Integrum Holdings, a private equity firm focusing on technology-enabled services, further showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Her memoir, “Where You Are Is Not Who You Are,” published in 2021, reflects her journey and insights, inspiring many to pursue their ambitions regardless of their backgrounds. Ursula M. Burns continues to be a trailblazer in the corporate world, advocating for diversity and inclusion while shaping the future of business leadership.