Progress on ethnic diversity in FTSE 100 boardrooms ‘has stalled’
Research by consultancy Green Park finds just 3.4% of chairs, CEOs and CFOs have ethnic minority backgrounds—the same proportion as in 2014.
Image: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
“The snowy peaks of British business remain stubbornly white.” Those are the words of Trevor Phillips, chair of Green Park, the consultancy whose research this week revealed the cause of ethnic diversity in FTSE 100 boardrooms has either stalled or gone into reverse.
Green Park finds of the 297 people in chair, chief executive and chief financial officer roles, only 10, or 3.4%, have ethnic minority backgrounds. This is the same proportion as when Green Park started its research in 2014.
Looking across all board executive and non-executive positions, the research reveals more disappointing news. Just 1.1% are black, down from 1.3% i
For thoughtful journalism, expert insights on corporate governance and an extensive library of reports, guides and tools to help boards and directors navigate the complexities of their roles, subscribe to Board Agenda
Related Stories
-
Six key areas of brand activism—and how your company can speak out
After the Capitol riot many US firms felt they could not stay silent. Brand activism is on the rise and boards should be aware of its power.
-
Rio Tinto faces shareholder opposition over boardroom diversity
Investment manager Hermes is to take first action over boardroom diversity voting against the reappointment of Rio Tinto's nominations committee chairman.
-
Governance should aim at investment for greater good
The key focus of governance reform should not be on reducing the number of scandals, but instead on how to encourage risk-taking and investment in pursuit of a societal purpose, says think-tank Tomorrow's Company.
