In its inaugural edition for the Grand Duchy, the Forbes Over 50 – Luxembourg 2026 initiative celebrates women over 50 whose leadership, achievements and influence continue to shape the economy and society.
Through this internationally recognised platform, Forbes Luxembourg highlights accomplished women whose impact extends across business, public life, culture, innovation and the wider community.
Several of the laureates across these next pages have broken historical records in their domains, even after turning 50, often while balancing their professional careers with parenthood, mentorship and volunteer service.
This initiative honours women whose careers, vision and commitment have made a lasting difference in the Grand Duchy and beyond. Not only do these women stand out in their respective sectors, but they’re also inspiring future generations through their experience, resilience, ability to reinvent, lead and contribute.
The initial candidate list was compiled through word-of-mouth and online nominations, as well as proposals from the Forbes Luxembourg and Forbes Belgium editorial teams. Various criteria were assigned with different weights to narrow down the candidates. These included current impact (30%), measurable achievement (20%), reinvention after 50 (15%), international influence (15%), ecosystem contribution (10%) and integrity (10%).
The rigorous selection process was determined by a jury of seven across the Forbes Belux teams. This jury was co-chaired by Forbes Belux editorial director, Joan Condijts, and Luxembourg-based independent journalist and editor, Natalie Gerhardstein, who is a regular Forbes Luxembourg contributor. One laureate was selected per pre-defined industry.
These industries fall into three general pillars : the power grid (digital economy, finance, corporate, public leadership, insurance); frontiers and foundational frameworks (space, legal, industry, transport, architecture); and legacy and impact (institution, science, hospitality, entertainment, sport).
Forbes Luxembourg would like to thank all those who reached out to provide their nominations, which have provided countless ideas for future articles. We hope readers will be just as inspired as we are by these final 15 laureates.
The full exclusive portraits will follow soon.
· Finance
Julie Becker, CEO of Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE), 50
She has successfully positioned and maintained the Luxembourg Stock Exchange as the world’s premier international hub for green and sustainable bonds.
· Digital Economy
Mariangela Marseglia, VP European Stores at Amazon, 51
She oversees the entirety of Amazon’s massive European consumer retail operations and multi-billion-euro digital infrastructure directly from Luxembourg.
· Corporate
Isabelle Faber, Director HR/PR/CSR of POST Luxembourg, 58
She serves as the strategic executive driver for human capital, corporate communications, and social responsibility at one of the nation’s largest companies.
· Public Leadership
Yuriko Backes, Minister of Defence, Mobility, and Internal Security, 55
She manages the critical portfolios of national security, defense frameworks, and cross-border mobility networks.
· Insurance
Marie-Hélène Massard, CEO of Foyer Group, 53
She commands the operational leadership of one of the country’s leading domestic insurance and wealth management powerhouses.
· Space
Carmel Ortiz, SVP MEO Programs at SES, 59
As a leading aerospace architect, she spearheads the rollout of the global meoSphere satellite constellation program.
· Legal
Manou Hoss, Managing Partner at Elvinger Hoss, 61
She runs one of the country’s leading independent law firm, establishing herself as a systemic regulatory authority on the Place.
· Industry
Marie-Christine Mariani, CEO of MCM Steel, 55
An industrial pioneer, she drives the adoption of green steel and supply-chain decarbonisation across the region.
· Transport
Charlotte Pedersen, Independent Board Director, 55
A top-tier corporate governance expert, she shapes the strategic future of European aviation and logistics at the board level.
· Architecture
Tatiana Fabeck, Star Architect, Founder of Fabeck Architectes, 55
She designs and executes major public infrastructure projects and sustainable urban densification programs across the country.
· Institution
Sasha Baillie, Marshal of the Grand Ducal Court, 56
She orchestrates the administrative and structural modernisation of the Grand Ducal Court through a historic institutional transition.
· Science
Catherine Larue, Biomarker pioneer and biotech consultant, 70
She serves as the foundational matriarch and strategic pillar of Luxembourg’s entire biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem.
· Hospitality
Marianne Donven, Founder of Chiche!, 60
As a social entrepreneur, she has proven the economic viability and scalability of high-impact, inclusive hospitality business models.
· Entertainment
Christel Henon, Managing Director of Bidibul Productions, 58
A powerhouse of international film co-productions, she actively elevates and exports the Grand Duchy’s creative economy.
· Sport
Ni Xia Lian, Professional Athlete, 62
A global icon of athletic longevity, she continues to compete at the absolute highest level of Olympic table tennis.
This article has been published in the 10th edition of Forbes Luxembourg.
Read more articles:
Dare To Be. Dare To Be Unstoppable.
Female Leadership: Transforming Insurance With Discipline And Clarity
