US and Canadian leaders have secured most of the top spots on this year’s annual INvolve HERoes Women Role Model Lists. The lists, supported by Yahoo Finance, celebrate business people who are breaking down barriers at work for women, and using their positions to keep diversity and inclusion (D&I) at the top of the agenda.
According to research carried out by business diversity experts INvolve, there are more male CEOs called Mark or Mike (33 – 6.4%) than women CEOs (6.2%) in the S&P 500. In fact, men comprise the majority (93.8%) of CEO posts compared to a meagre 6.2% of women in the Us. The data, collated by Boardex, highlights a strong need for businesses to take urgent action to support women reach senior roles.
“Despite the many initiatives to address gender inequality, it’s clear that there is still a shocking lack of women in senior positions which continues to drive a significant gender divide across all levels and salary bands in organisations today,” pointed out INvolve’s Founder & CEO, Suki Sandhu. “We know that due to the impact of Covid-19, coupled with existing gender inequalities, women have been made more vulnerable. So it’s vital that we continue to push for change. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we celebrate those who are taking action globally to drive inclusion for women. And that’s why the HERoes Women Role Model Lists are so important.”
MULTINATIONAL INFLUENCE
This year, INvolve’s HERoes Role Model Lists celebrate talent from around the globe. Twenty-five senior executives from the US have secured a place on the Top 100 HERoes Women Executives List. Another 21 have secured a place on the 100 HERoes Women Future Leaders List and 16 individuals from the US have earned a place on the 50 HERoes Advocates List. This highlights the contributions made by senior executives from global multinational organisations in the US.
Eunice Heath, Corporate Director, Sustainability EHS&S at Dow Inc secured second position on the Future Leaders List. Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO at State Street Corporation, based in Boston in the US, earned second place on the HERoes Advocates List. However, Dr Jennifer R Jackson, President at Capital One in Canada, leads the 100 Women Executives List at number one.
“I am honoured and humbled to be named on the HERoes list. This recognition is even sweeter because I am on the list with so many extraordinary leaders who have impacted entire industries and inspired so many people,” shared Jackson. “Celebrating and elevating the achievements of women is essential to ensure that the next generation can see successful women of all backgrounds in executive roles, showing that it is not only possible, but expected. And that the top levels in business and across industries are diverse and inclusive.”
BRITISH ROLE MODELS
Four British women also made the Top 10 of this year’s global HERoes Women Executives Role Model List. Mastercard’s Executive Vice Chairman Ann Cairns secured the second spot this year. IG Group’s CEO June Felix follows (at number three) and BlackRock’s Senior Managing Director (Head of EMEA) Rachel Lord secures position number six. In addition, Penny James, CEO of Direct Line Group sits at position number nine.
Meanwhile Britain’s Jennie Koo, Head of Operations Risk Management at Capital One, secures the fourth position in the HERoes 50 Women Future Leaders List. This list highlights those tipped for future leadership success.
LEADING MALE ALLIES
What about the male allies? London-based Unilever CEO Alan Jope leads the Advocate for Women List in 2020. Other male allies on the list include CEOs of major corporations, such as State Street Corporation’s Chairman & CEO Ron O’Hanley, Sky’s CEO Jeremy Darroch, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Mastercard’s CEO Ajay Banga.
Commenting on securing the top spot on the Advocate for Women list, Unilever’s CEO Alan Jope stated: “Looking at the other brilliant people on the list, I’m not sure I’m deserving! It’s a huge honour. The majority of people we collaborate with at Unilever understand the business case for more gender-balanced organisations. So we have seen an increase in the representation of women in recent years. However, there’s still much more to do.”
Sky’s CEO Jeremy Darroch added. “Achieving gender equality is not only the right thing to do for our society, but at Sky we want to make sure we are making balanced business decisions. You are always in a position to innovate and drive change. You do not have wait until you are a leader. Every person has a unique role to play in driving a business to be better and to get there sooner.”
Click here to check out the 2020 HERoes Role Model Lists.
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