Ilene S. Gordon

Ilene S. Gordon (born in 1953) As of 2014 she was one of only 24 women who were CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. She retired from the position in 2017.

Early years and education

Gordon earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and a Master of Science degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1976.

When she attended MIT, the male-female ratio of undergraduates was 10:1. Her intention was to become a high school math teacher, but meeting other women at MIT who were preparing to become professionals led her to change her course, pursue a master's degree, and go into business.

From 1980 until 1982 Gordon worked at Signode, a packaging company specializing in materials handling. Gordon's worked at Tenneco for 17 years.

Gordon first joined Ingredion Incorporated as the CEO, president and chairman, previously called Corn Products International, on May 4, 2009.

Other affiliations

In addition to Ingredion, Gordon serves on the board of directors of International Paper and is on the board of trustees of The Conference Board and a member of the MIT Corporation, the institute's board of trustees. She is a director of World Business Chicago (a non-profit economic development organization) and the first female chairman-elect of the Economic Club of Chicago. She is also a member of the board of The Executives' Club of Chicago and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Awards and recognition

Gordon was recognized as one of the 50 most powerful women in business in 2011 in Fortune magazine's ranking, coming in the 42nd position. In 2012 she was ranked 43 in the Fortune list of 50 most powerful women. The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) recognized Gordon as the Director of the Year in September 2013.

Personal life and family

Gordon is married and has two children, whom she had when she was in her late twenties.