For the first time in eight years, the percent of women on U.S. corporate boards declined last year. Despite more evidence about the benefits of the increasing the number women on boards (such as better decision making), and mounting pressure from groups like State Street Global Advisers and Blackrock to do so, the data suggest it will take until the end of 2055 to have board parity in the U.S. if we continue at the current rate.
CEOs Explain How They Gender-Balanced Their Boards
Fifteen leaders offer a roadmap.
October 06, 2017, Updated October 16, 2017
Summary.
Despite more evidence about the benefits of the increasing the number women on boards, 2016 saw a decline in the percent of women on U.S. corporate boards. Considering how much influence CEOs have over board appointments, they can do a better job of advocating for getting more women on the board. Interviews with 15 CEOs who successfully reached board parity show how they did it and what other CEOs can do as well. For starters, CEOs can take a promotion focus when it comes to diversity, they can look for more opportunities to make changes to the composition of the board, and they can ensure that at least two women are on the finalist slate.