The 59-year-old Rosenfeld, who currently resides in Illinois, grew up in both Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. Her father’s parents were Romanian immigrants and her mother’s parents came from Germany. A food industry veteran for more than a quarter-century, Rosenfeld has held her present position since 2006. Kraft’s widely known products include Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Mac & Cheese, Kraft Singles, and Oreos.
Three years ago – as the result of a business deal with the British candy company Cadbury – Rosenfeld became the second highest-paid woman in America, earning more than $26.3 million.
Rosenfeld is not the only Jewish businesswoman on the list. Forbes also named Mary Schapiro, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as one of the world’s most powerful women. Schapiro has been a member of the SEC since 1988, when she was appointed to the body by President Ronald Reagan, and she has served as its chairman since the beginning of 2009.