Boardroom Equality Rises in FTSE 350, yet Female Executives Lag in Leadership

• Despite achieving boardroom gender parity, the number of female chief executives in the FTSE 100 has fallen to single digits
• Female leaders now account for 43.4percent of boardroom roles within FTSE 350 companies
• Boardroom representation for women has climbed from 42.1percent to 43.4percent over the past one year

While the UK’s largest publicly listed firms have achieved boardroom gender parity, the number of female chief executives in the FTSE 100 has fallen to single digits, a Government-supported report revealed. Despite the growing trend of businesses reassessing and reducing diversity commitments, particularly in the US, progress in UK boardrooms remain steady, the FTSE Women Leader’s Review stated.

Fresh data highlights that female leaders now account for 43.4 percent of boardroom roles within FTSE 350 companies. Among world’s top economies, the UK’s FTSE 350 holds the second-highest female representation in boardrooms, ranking second after France.

Boardroom representation for women has climbed from 42.1 percent to 43.4 percent over the past one year, making a major increase from just 24.5 percent in 2017. The sustained progress ensures companies remain above the voluntary 40 percent target.

Vivienne Artz, CEO, FTSE Women Leaders Review, stated that minimal pushback from major UK corporations has accelerated progress on gender diversity in recent year. She told the PA news agency: “You can’t ignore the fact that there’s a lot of questioning going on, particularly from across the ocean, in relation to DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion).”

“Whilst FTSE 350 company boards are now gender-balanced, sustained effort and determination is required to achieve the 40percent target for women in leadership by the end of this year,” Vivienne said. She expressed satisfaction with companies’ openness in sharing the diversity data, with no pushback observed.

Marks & Spencer, Next, and Burberry, along with publishing powerhouse Pearson and Bloomsbury, have achieved a leadership team where women hold the majority exceeding 50 percent of representation. Mining firms Fresnillo and Antofagasta, along with Games Workshop and CMC Markets, report less than 25percent female leadership. Additionally, private companies Ineos, Hermes, and Bestway have yet to appoint any women on their boards.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The UK is leading the charge for gender equality in boardrooms, but we cannot rest on our laurels. “We must break down the barriers that stop many women being represented in decision-making roles, so that top talent reaches the highest levels of leadership in businesses driving economic growth across Britain.”