Age: 56
2011 net worth (US$): 1 billion
2010 net worth (US$): NA
General ranking: 135
Company: A Best
Headquarters: Guangdong
Title: Chairwoman
Main focus: Retail
A newcomer on this year's list, Li Binlan’s reputation as a strong-willed and visionary leader has earned her the nickname "Iron Lady of Retail." Her reign at A Best has seen the company expand rapidly since its first supermarket opened in Bao'an, Shenzhen, in 1995 to more than 100 stores across the country today. Last year, the company reported a US$2.6 billion operations revenue, ranking 22nd in China's retail industry.