CHICAGO, July 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Research
conducted by Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII), the premier
provider of executive search, leadership consulting and culture
shaping worldwide, points to accelerating progress for women in
boardrooms within the Fortune 500.
Of the 339 new directors appointed in Fortune 500 boardrooms in
2014, 99 were women, representing 29.2% of the total. That compares
with 25.9% in 2013 and 22.8% in 2012. The Heidrick &
Struggles Board Monitor projects that women will account for 50% of
new board directors in the Fortune 500 in the United States for the first time in
2024.
"Companies are increasingly focused on appointing more women
directors - recognizing that better governance results when diverse
points of view are reflected in the boardroom," said Bonnie
Gwin, vice chairman and managing partner of Heidrick &
Struggles' Board Practice in North
America.
"One of the biggest obstacles to diversifying the boardroom has
been the notion that the ideal director must have CEO experience,"
Gwin said. Only slightly more than 5% of CEOs in the Fortune
1000 are women. "Boards are more open to candidates with different
leadership profiles, experiences and backgrounds. This shift will
lead to greater diversity of thinking and help boards benefit from
wider-ranging strategic insights," she said.
The latest survey data indicates boards will continue to seek
directors from both genders who bring varied experience and
perspectives to bear on today's — and tomorrow's — complex
strategic challenges.
About Heidrick & Struggles:
Heidrick
& Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) serves the executive talent and
leadership needs of the world's top organizations as the premier
provider of leadership consulting, culture shaping and senior-level
executive search services. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the
profession of executive search more than 60 years ago. Today, the
firm serves as a trusted advisor, providing integrated leadership
solutions and helping its clients change the world, one leadership
team at a time. www.heidrick.com.
About The Heidrick & Struggles Board Monitor:
Produced by Heidrick & Struggles' CEO & Board Practice, the
Board Monitor tracks and analyzes trends in non-executive director
appointments to Fortune 500 boards on a yearly basis.
Media Contact:
Lia Randazzo 312.496.1788
lrandazzo@heidrick.com
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SOURCE Heidrick & Struggles