Indra Nooyi, the former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 at the New England Choice Awards Gala for her transformative leadership and profound impact on global business.
INE Multimedia, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting art, culture, education, business, and empowerment, has announced that Indra Nooyi will be the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 2025. This accolade will be presented at the annual New England Choice Awards Gala, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Marriott Burlington Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts. Over 400 business executives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, educators, and community leaders are expected to attend the event.
Globally recognized for her groundbreaking leadership and enduring influence, Nooyi led PepsiCo as Chairman and CEO for more than a decade. During her tenure, she implemented the “Performance with Purpose” strategy, which aligned business growth with social and environmental responsibility. Nooyi is also the author of the acclaimed memoir, “My Life in Full,” which chronicles her journey from Chennai to the boardrooms of global corporations.
Expressing gratitude upon receiving this honor, Nooyi stated, “I want to thank the New England Choice Awards committee and the Indian community in Boston for this Lifetime Achievement Award. It is a privilege to be in the company of all those who came before me—leaders I have admired and respected enormously.” She emphasized that true success extends beyond profits and includes the positive impact on people, communities, and the planet. She dedicated the recognition to leaders who strive for purpose and integrity, and to the future generations that will continue this vision.
Nooyi’s illustrious career includes leadership positions at The Boston Consulting Group, Motorola, and Asea Brown Boveri, culminating in a 24-year tenure at PepsiCo. Under her leadership, PepsiCo’s revenues grew over 80%. She was consistently ranked among the world’s most powerful women by Forbes, Fortune, and Time.
“It is a privilege to honor Indra Nooyi at the NECA Awards,” said Dr. Manju Sheth, MD, president and CEO of INE Multimedia. “She is a trailblazer in the world as the first woman CEO of PepsiCo and a wonderful human being. She serves as an incredible role model for many of us.”
Beyond corporate realms, Nooyi has left a significant mark in the public and nonprofit sectors. “Indra Nooyi’s leadership has transformed the global business landscape and inspired generations, including myself,” commented Reshma Kewalramani, CEO & President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Her journey from Chennai to the helm of a Fortune 500 company is remarkable, emphasizing her broad impact and legacy.
Currently, Nooyi serves on the boards of Amazon, Philips, the National Gallery of Art, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is also a Council Member of the Earthshot Prize, initiated by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. She previously served as a trustee of MIT and held the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership at West Point.
Upendra Mishra, co-founder of INE Multimedia, expressed his admiration: “Her visionary leadership has not only reshaped industries but has also inspired generations around the world to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion. She exemplifies breaking barriers while elevating others.”
The New England Choice Awards honor excellence across diverse fields, including business, healthcare, innovation, education, community service, and the arts. As philanthropist Desh Deshpande noted, “Indra Nooyi exemplifies everything we value in a modern business leader—vision, integrity, innovation, and relentless commitment to impact.”
Notable figures have voiced their appreciation for Nooyi’s contributions. Anantha Chandrakasan from MIT remarked on her profound influence: “Her leadership across technology, non-profit, and corporate boards will continue to shape the future.” TiE Boston President Purnanand Sarma highlighted Nooyi’s global influence, which reverberates across boardrooms and classrooms, describing her as a “once-in-a-generation leader.” Philanthropist Prashanth Palakurthi praised Nooyi for inspiring women to aspire for leadership roles through her transformative work at PepsiCo.
Megha Desai, president of the Desai Foundation, shared the impact of Nooyi’s leadership: “Her commitment to philanthropy and ability to integrate purpose with performance serves as a remarkable blueprint for true leadership.”
INE Multimedia aims to elevate voices and foster dialogue through its storytelling approach, panel discussions, cultural programming, and educational initiatives. It works to empower individuals and communities by building robust connections across diverse audiences.
INDIA New England News, a leading media outlet in the region, continues to serve the South Asian community with insightful coverage on various topics, offering a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and forging community links through impactful journalism.