Crain’s 40 Under 40 celebrates rising leaders making a lasting impact across industries and communities. For decades, Crain’s Detroit Business has recognized 40 young professionals from Southeast Michigan who are driving change. The honorees range from CEOs and founders to innovators and community advocates — each under the age of 40. The 2025 class upholds this legacy, demonstrating the vision and drive to shape the region’s future.
Average age
By the numbers
37
The youngest honoree is 30 and the oldest are 39. All honorees are millennials.
C-suite
Despite their young age, 16 honorees have C-suite titles and 13 of those are CEOs.
16
Industries
More than a dozen different industries are represented with the most honorees working in real estate.
13
In their own words
"Do what you love, and the money will follow. But if you try to follow the money and you don’t do what you love, you’re going to find yourself in a bad situation."
— CHAUNCEY C. MAYFIELD II
"One of the biggest accomplishments or the most rewarding things has been watching the city grow so significantly over the last 13 years and knowing that I was a part of that."
— Francesca Eid
"Don’t worry about finding your passion. You’ll become passionate about things you’re good at. Just get started."
— Salem Najjar
"As somebody who has gotten further in my career, I like to try to find ways to help young women in journalism and in PR find opportunity."
— Andrea Bitely
"Take up space, especially in rooms not built for you. And then build a bigger table for those coming after you."
— Erika Riggs
See all the 40 Under 40 honorees
See all the 40 Under 40 honorees
See all the 40 Under 40 honorees
Photography by Justin Razmus
Photography by Justin Razmus
Meet Crain’s 40 Under 40 class for 2025
Meet the 40 Under 40 class for 2025