Gretchen W. McClain served as the CEO of Xylem Inc. from October 14, 2011, until September 9, 2013. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, which laid the groundwork for her long...

Gretchen W. McClain served as the CEO of Xylem Inc. from October 14, 2011, until September 9, 2013. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, which laid the groundwork for her long career in the engineering field. During her time at Xylem, she was pivotal in the company’s focus on sustainable water solutions and innovation after it spun off from ITT Corporation. McClain received a significant compensation package that included a base salary and substantial stock options, reflecting her essential role in the company during its early years post-spin-off. At the time of her resignation, she had also vested a considerable amount of shares and options, with her total compensation in 2013 reaching about $5.8 million. Interestingly, her wealth was closely tied to her Xylem stock, with values fluctuating greatly during her tenure. In 2019, for example, her holdings were valued over $39 million, peaking to nearly $66 million in August 2021. After stepping down, her career continues to influence the industry, highlighting the importance of leadership in navigating corporate challenges.