When Indra Nooyi was installed as CEO of PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) just last year, it was a high-flying moment regarding the influence of women professionals in large companies -- and Nooyi joined the very exclusive club of Fortune 500 female CEOs.

That trust was extended in a large way today as PepsiCo said that Nooyi will assume the additional title of chairwoman. In recent memory, I can't recall a female being a CEO and Chairwoman of such a high-profile company, and it's a neat moment in business history. If you ask me, there needs to be a good deal more female leaders at the top of many large corporations. Some of the ones I've had the pleasure of meeting struck me as competent (and moreso than some male competitors) leaders and execs.

Looks like PepsiCo realized this. Now, when current board chairman (and former CEO) Steven Reinemund retires on in May, PepsiCo could have recruited another leader for the board, but apparently chose the most qualified candidate. If Nooyi's tenure so far is any indication, she'll be an asset to the board.