Women hold only 9% of CEO, senior financial positions in corporate sector: report

The latest report from The Pipeline has shown a decline in women's representation in executive positions within the UK's 350 largest companies.

This year, the average percentage of females in these roles has decreased to 32 percent, down 1 percent from 33 percent last year.

Although the reduction may seem minor, it underscores the persistent gender gap in corporate leadership.

According to The Pipeline's 2024 Women Count report, women hold only 9 percent of CEO and senior financial positions among FTSE 350 companies.

However, they make up 44 percent of chartered accountant roles, the highest percentage across all positions.

The report also highlights that merely 19 percent of women occupy executive board positions, a slight increase from 1 percent in 2023.

Geeta Nargund, Group Chair of The Pipeline, emphasizes the urgency for corporate leaders and CEOs to address this widening gap.

"The decrease in women's participation this year is an irreparable loss, with effects that can be felt for the next five generations," she warned.

Nargund stressed that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a business necessity, as companies with fair representation of women are likely to see a 22 percent profit increase.

The Pipeline's findings serve as a call to action for corporate leaders to prioritise gender diversity and create an inclusive environment where women can thrive.

Businesses can reap substantial benefits and improve their bottom line by bridging the gender gap.