The number of women CEOs leading the Fortune 500 companies has increased to 15 this year from 12 in 2008, while Pepsico's India-born CEO Indra Nooyi continues to be on the list.   

The new list for 2009 includes three newcomers -- Yahoo's new CEO Carol Bartz, Ellen Kullman, who moved up to CEO post at DuPont in January and Laura Sen of BJ's Wholesale club. 

The Fortune magazine in a separate section on Women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies stated that, "from health care, to food, to retail, to technology, these 15 women show what it takes to lead some of the nation's biggest companies." 

About internet major Yahoo's Bartz, the magazine said she is known for her candour and since being named as CEO of Yahoo in January, "she's wasted no time telling it like it is".

"Bartz is focused on getting Yahoo in order: determined to look beyond search, she's stressed growth in content and information, she's open to partnering with social networking sites, and restructured the company to streamline its hierarchy and strengthen its global presence," it added. 

Beverage and snacks major Pepsico chief Indra Nooyi, who was also there on last year's list, has helped in growing the company's top line with revenue rising by 10 per cent in 2008 to USD 43.3 billion and raised its profile in goodwill engendering arenas.

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