Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is recognized as the first African American woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company, leading Xerox after beginning her career there as an intern. Burns earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute and a master's degree from Columbia University. Her early career at Xerox included participation in a minority education program initiated by the Xerox National Black Employee Association. Burns has noted her willingness to take on every opportunity during her initial years at the company.

Burns succeeded Anne Mulcahy as CEO of Xerox, marking the first transfer of leadership between two female CEOs at a Fortune 500 company. As chief executive, she led the $6.4 billion acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services, shifting Xerox’s focus toward business process outsourcing and managed services. Under her leadership, Xerox transformed from a global leader in document technology to a diversified business services company serving enterprises and governments. Burns was also named an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering during her tenure.

Beyond her work at Xerox, Burns has held significant roles in public service and corporate governance. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the White House national program on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and served as chair of the President's Export Council after serving as vice chair. Burns has served on the boards of Uber, American Express, and ExxonMobil, and held the roles of chairperson and CEO at VEON. She co-founded Integrum Holdings, a private equity firm, and provides leadership counsel to organizations including the Ford Foundation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Corporation, Cornell Tech Board of Overseers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Mayo Clinic.

Burns is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the G7 Gender Equity Advisory Council. She appears regularly on Fortune and Forbes lists of the world’s most powerful women and is involved with the Board Diversity Action Alliance, supporting diversity on corporate boards.

Burns is the author of "Where You Are Is Not Who You Are: A Memoir," which has been reviewed by the New York Times. In her book, she discusses her journey from Manhattan’s Lower East Side to executive leadership, offering insights into business leadership, diversity and inclusion, and corporate responsibility. As a speaker, Burns addresses topics such as C-suite leadership, strategic clarity, and the importance of purpose-driven missions in business, drawing on her experience in technology, business transformation, and corporate governance.