Cranfield University & EY Report Highlights Decrease in Women Executive in FTSE 250

New report has been taken out by Cranfield University and EY stating that a number of women working at FTSE 250 companies in executive level roles have decreased with over a 10th in the past two years. The analysis shows an increase of Gender diversity across boardrooms, witnessing very few females reaching the top positions.

The data showcases a total of 42 female executive directors in the year 2024 specifically in FTSE 250 boards which indicates a downfall from 47 in the year 2022, exemplifying that women currently represent only 12 percent executives within some of the biggest listed companies of United Kingdom.

Sue Vinnicombe, Cranfield School of Management, stated, “With the percentage of women in director roles meeting the Women Leaders Review targets, the headlines look great but the persistent reality remains, that the glass ceiling for women in executive level positions is still stubbornly in place. An ‘executive gender paradox’ across FTSE 250 boards has emerged, as the gap between the number of women in NED roles and executive roles grows.”

She added, “Through their own tenacity, drive and experiences some women do make it to the top positions, but once they get to the c-suite they often find themselves unsupported and in a male dominated environment.”