Board Stories
Over the years the FTSE Women Leaders Review has engaged with FTSE Board members to gather their perspective on the need for gender diversity at the top of British business. Their stories highlight the benefits and advantages of gender balanced Board and the example it sets for the rest of the organisation.
Personal perspectives
A CEO’s Perspective
Lyssa McGowan | Chief Executive Officer Pets at Home Plc
As a young girl growing up in the 1970’s and 80’s I had a thirst to prove what I was capable of and a hunger to succeed. But gendered adjectives like bossy, pushy, and arrogant (not strong, capable and confident) aimed to put me back in my (woman’s) place. This was an era when women had to be more macho than the guys just to get a place at the table. I knew I would have to get there in spite of being a woman.
A CEO’s Perspective
Nick Hampton | Tate and Lyle
I’m driven by our purpose of Transforming Lives through the Science of Food, which we live by supporting healthy living, building thriving communities, and caring for our planet. To do this effectively, we must understand and represent the diversity of the communities we serve, and I’m proud of the work we continue to do to ensure that our workforce represents the diversity of our customers, consumers, and broader society.
A Chair’s Perspective
Sharon White | John Lewis Partnership
When I joined the civil service some 30 years ago, I will never forget the advice I received from one of the few senior women working in the Treasury. “Sharon,” she said. “You see, the thing you have to remember is that you’re allowed one eccentricity in the Treasury. And for you, that’s being a woman.”
A CEO’s Perspective
Roisin Currie | Greggs
At Greggs, 69% of our total workforce is female and I’m particularly proud that we bring the best talent through the business, regardless of gender. Gender diversity is just as prevalent in our senior leadership positions; almost half of our management teams are female and, of the eight current Board posts, five are held by women.
A CEO’s Perspective
Simon Roberts | J Sainsbury Plc
Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do at Sainsbury’s and their dedication to helping and serving our customers is so vital to our success. We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, where all our colleagues can fulfil their potential and where all our customers feel welcome. It’s why it is so important to me, and all our leaders, that Sainsbury’s reflects the communities we serve.
A CEO’s Perspective
Pascal Soriot | AstraZeneca Plc
Inclusion and diversity is fundamental to our success as an organisation. As a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company, we are tireless in the pursuit of delivering life-changing medicines to patients, and our team of more than 80,000 people worldwide push the boundaries of science every day.
A CEO’s Perspective
Milena Mondini de Focatiis | Admiral Group Plc
People who like what they do, do it better’ – a quote from Henry Engelhardt our founder. This belief is the core of Admiral’s culture and philosophy and is on the wall in our office entrance. And we believe that people will only like what they do if they feel appreciated for who they are, and genuinely feel they will be given the chance to do even more.
A CEO’s Perspective
Johan Lundgren | EasyJet Plc
The pandemic was a crisis like no other in aviation’s history, unimaginable in so many ways. It changed the way we travel – even making it illegal for a time – paused our growth and with it our ability to recruit and has changed the way all of us work forever. And while the challenges are immediately evident, the opportunities seem much less apparent, but they are there.
A Chair’s Perspective
Anne Farlow | Pershing Square Holdings
I am very proud to work with Pershing Square Holdings’ diverse board. Diverse teams are more likely to solve problems and innovate. I have seen how varied experiences have added significant value to our board discussions.
A Chair’s Perspective
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE | Lloyds Banking Group Plc
One of the reasons I was delighted to become Chair at Lloyds Banking Group was because of the Group’s strong sense of purpose and commitment to help build a more inclusive society.
I have a strong view that women are more likely to want to be part of an organisation if they see women at the top of that organisation.
A CEO’s Perspective
Liv Garfield CBE | Severn Trent Plc
If I could pick one thing that makes me proud about Severn Trent, it would be the culture that oozes from every site, no matter where I go across the business. It doesn’t happen by magic, or willing it to be so, it happens because day in and day out managers and leaders take actions that reinforce those great behaviours.
A CEO’s Perspective
Late Ivan Menezes | Diageo Plc
When I reflect on the extraordinary events of the last 12 months, I am struck by the shocking levels of inequality and injustice that still exist in society. COVID-19 has devastated families and damaged economies, yet barriers to individual progress were present before the pandemic and will continue to be felt by many, unless we act. These challenges are not new, but they should catalyse our response to championing equality in our businesses.
A Chair’s Perspective
Vanda Murray OBE | Marshalls
I am proud to chair the Marshalls Board with a strong leadership culture to bring about change and support our ambitious people plan. There is much to do, but we have a clear strategy and framework to drive the change we need.
