Ursula Burns: the woman who changed the face of the Fortune 500

Ursula M. Burns was born on September 20, 1958, in the Lower East Side neighborhood of New York City. From humble beginnings, she was raised by a single mother in a housing project. Despite the challenges, Burns was an outstanding student and pursued higher education in the field of engineering. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from New York University and later a master’s degree in the same field from the Polytechnic Institute of Columbia University.

Rise at Xerox

Burns began her career at Xerox as an intern in 1980. Through her dedication and talent, she quickly rose through the ranks of the company. She held several executive and leadership roles, including senior vice president of global manufacturing operations.
In 2009, she made history by becoming the CEO of Xerox, and a year later, she took on the additional role of chairwoman of the board. With this, she became the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. During her tenure, she carried out the largest acquisition in Xerox’s history: Affiliated Computer Services, a move that transformed Xerox from a print-centered company to one more focused on services.

Achievements and recognition

Under her leadership, Xerox renewed its focus and explored new opportunities in the market. Burns not only led the transformation of Xerox but was also a staunch advocate for workplace diversity and the involvement of women in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Ursula has been recognized on multiple occasions for her leadership and commitment to diversity. She has been included on lists such as Fortune’s “50 most powerful women in business” and TIME’s “100 most influential people in the world.”

After Xerox

Ursula Burns was appointed chairwoman of the board of VEON in 2017, a time when the company was undergoing a comprehensive transformation. Later, in 2018, she also took on the additional role of interim CEO of VEON following the departure of former CEO Jean-Yves Charlier.
Under her leadership, VEON embarked on an ambitious redefinition strategy. The company aimed to move away from being solely a traditional mobile operator to becoming a global provider of technology and communication services. During this period, VEON also worked to improve its capital structure, refinance its debt, and strengthen its corporate governance.
Ursula Burns left a lasting impression on VEON. Her leadership during a critical period of transformation and her ability to navigate complex markets are a testament to her adaptability and business acumen. Her influence at VEON is yet another example of her capacity to lead and reform companies across diverse sectors.

A positive approach to controversy

As with any leader of a major corporation, Burns faced challenges and controversies during her time at the helm of Xerox. Although there were criticisms regarding some strategic changes and restructuring decisions, it is essential to focus on the broader picture and recognize that under her leadership, Xerox not only survived an era of rapid technological change but also managed to reinvent itself. Burns faced the criticism with grace and determination, demonstrating resilience and an unwavering commitment to the company’s vision and mission.

Legacy

Ursula Burns is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and leadership. From her humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the corporate world, she has been a beacon of inspiration for many women and young people—especially those from underrepresented communities in senior executive roles. Her legacy at Xerox and in the broader business community will be remembered for her boldness, innovation, and commitment to diversity.