MUMBAI: Billboard announced that MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath had topped their second annual Women In Music list.

The list of the top female music industry executives was revealed in the second annual Billboard Women In Music issue. Superstar Reba McEntire was presented the first ever Billboard Woman of the Year Award.

The list is decided based on the success each executive has achieved in the past year, their power status within their organization and track record of producing forward thinking initiatives. The women being honored include music television executives, label heads and other women who have proven to be innovators in the industry.

“It becomes more difficult each year to compile this list, as the tides continue to shift and more and more women are leading some of the most powerful companies in the music industry. We are proud to recognize the accomplishments and highlight the powerful position of women in the music industry. The women who have been selected for this list have not only paved the road for the future of music, but also for other women to follow in their footsteps,” said Billboard group editorial director Tamara Conniff.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with so many inspired, passionate and driven women, at MTV Networks and throughout the music industry and I’m honored and humbled to be counted among them. I’m thankful to Billboard for recognizing me, Debra Lee, Christina Norman, and all the remarkable women on this list for their accomplishments, and their influence and impact on the music business. These are challenging, fascinating times in the music industry, and they call for the talents of more good women,” added McGrath.

Billboard’s Women in Music issue also includes a list of celebrities who have been selected for their prowess as business women. Billboard’s first ever Woman of the Year, Reba McEntire tops the list, joined by Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Madonna and Mariah Carey.

Billboard’s Women in Music list:

1.) Judy McGrath, Chairman/CEO, MTV Networks

2.) Julie Greenwald, President, Atlantic Records

3.) Lisa Ellis, President, Sony Urban Music

4.) Alison Wenham, Chairman/CEO, AIM; Worldwide Independent Network

5.) Christina Norman, President, MTV Networks

5.) Debra Lee, Chairman/CEO, BET Networks

6.) Jody Gerson, EVP of U.S. Creative, EMI Music Publishing

7.) Alexandra Patsavas, Founder, Chop Shop

8.) Sylvia Rhone, President, Universal Motown Records

9.) Lesley Bleakley, CEO, the Beggars Group, U.S.

10.) Andrea Ganis, EVP, Atlantic Records

11.) Lia Vollack, President of Worldwide Music, Sony Pictures

11.) Kathy Nelson, President of Film Music, Universal Pictures

12.) Mavis Takemoto, EVP of Administration and Operations, Universal Music Group Distribution

12.) Amanda Marks, EVP/GM of Digital Distribution, Universal Music Group Distribution

13.) Julie Swidler, EVP of Business and Legal Affairs, BMG U.S. Label Group

13.) Lynn Hazan-Devau, SVP Finance & Operations, RED Distribution

14.) Hilary Shaev, EVP of Promotion, Virgin Records

15.) Diane Warren, Founder, RealSongs

16.) Marilyn Bergman, Chairman/President, ASCAP

17.) Lucia Ballas Traynor, GM, MTV Tr3s

18.) Angelia Bibbbs Sanders, VP of Member Services, the Recording Academy

19.) Tammy Genovese, COO, Country Music Association

20.) Diana Meltzer, EVP of A&R, Wind-Up Records