Vinamilk chief executive Mai Kieu Lien has been included in Fortune’s list of Asia’s 100 Most Powerful Women for the third consecutive year.
The Vietnamese dairy leader placed 71st in the 2026 ranking, moving up two positions from 2025 and four positions from 2024. Fortune’s selection considers business performance, innovation, influence and social impact across Asia-Pacific markets.
Five decades in Vietnam’s dairy industry
Mai began her career as a dairy engineer in 1976, when Vietnam faced limited resources and frequent production challenges. Over the following decades, she helped guide Vinamilk from a local producer into a dairy group with modern factories, internationally certified farms and products sold overseas.
Vinamilk is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The company says its products have reached 67 countries and territories, with cumulative export revenue exceeding US$3.9 billion.
Quality as a leadership principle
Vinamilk credits part of its growth to control across farming, production and distribution. That approach is intended to support food safety, consistent nutrition and consumer confidence as the business expands.
The company currently operates 16 factories and 15 internationally certified farms. It has also invested in technology throughout its supply chain, from raw-milk production to manufacturing.
A regional story of food leadership
Mai’s recognition is notable beyond one company. It reflects the growing visibility of Southeast Asian leaders who have built food brands at home before taking them to international markets.
For the next generation at Vinamilk, the challenge will be to maintain trust and product quality while responding to changing nutritional expectations, sustainability demands and competition across Asia.
Source: Vinamilk, distributed by PR Newswire Asia. Rankings and company figures are attributed to the organisations named. Media contact details have been omitted.
