The manufacturing industry is improving its gender diversity, except for leadership roles

By Sophie Chapman
Share
A recent reported released by the corporate financefirm, Livingstone, reveals that gender diversity is improving in the manufacturing industry. The rep...

A recent reported released by the corporate finance firm, Livingstone, reveals that gender diversity is improving in the manufacturing industry.

The report, released 15 March, assesses 25 firms – all part of the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index (FTSE100) – and their female board member representation.

As of the 31 January, the manufacturers have a 32% female board member average, higher than the universal average of 28.4%, according to the Hampton-Alexander Review in November 2017.

However, only one of the companies – Barratt – featured 50% female board members, with five out of 10 being women.

Only 24% companies have 40% or more female directors on the board, whilst 32% have female board representation of 25% or lower.

SEE ALSO:

The sectors within the industry with the highest female representation are pharmaceuticals at 35%, and aerospace and defence at 37%.

The British clothing manufacturer, Burberry, came out the highest with 42%.

Only three of the 25 companies featured female CEOs – GKN, GSK, and Imperial Brands – whilst two companies have female Directors – Croda and Shire.

“Looking at the wider picture, there’s no doubt that there has been a positive upward trend in female representation for manufacturing,” commented Graham Carberry, Partner at Livingstone.

“The fact that manufacturing surpasses the FTSE100 average here is encouraging given its perception as a ‘man’s world’, but there is clearly a way to go”. 

“Some firms are lagging behind, and the clear lack of female CEOs and Chairs highlights a further problem: that whilst board participation is improving, it’s often weighted towards the non-executive roles, and masks a serious lack of representation in top leadership and executive roles.”

Share

Featured Articles

Manufacturing and Mobility LIVE Welcome Nuveen as a Sponsor

Join us at Manufacturing and Mobility LIVE, an exclusive virtual event that will explore the influential forces reshaping both manufacturing and mobility

SAVE THE DATE – Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE Chicago 2025

Manufacturing Digital announces its first dedicated Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE Event in Chicago on 4 and 5 June 2025

Sandvik Coromant: How to Survive AI and Thrive

Identifying the trends and impacts of AI on manufacturing, Sandvik's whitepaper argues that AI is here to stay and shares how manufacturers can adapt

Shiseido & Accenture: AI-the Best Skincare Solution?

Digital Factory

Assembling the Future: Huawei's New Smart Factory Offerings

Smart Manufacturing

Tata & Analog Devices Drive Indian Electronics Manufacturing

Technology