Gender balance | Diversity in leadership is improving – but it’s still not enough

A new report from global executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles has revealed that a record number of Board seats went to women in 2021. While this development is welcomed, closer analysis shows that more work needs to be done if gender equality in leadership – as well as the workplace more generally – is to be achieved.

Heidrick & Struggles 2022 “Board Monitor” looked at FTSE350 companies and found that 54% of new Board seats went to women. However, closer analysis by businessleader.co.uk found that only 19% of the four roles highlighted by the FCA as particularly influential (CEO, CFO, Chair or Senior Director) are held by women. The leading executive positions are still very much male-dominated.