The average number of female FTSE 100 CEOs stalled at nine last year, the same number as 2024, according to the government-backed FTSE Women Leaders Review. Campaigners have described the pace of change as “achingly slow”.
The FTSE 350, which includes mid-sized businesses, missed a voluntary target of 40% women in top executive roles by 2025, with women holding 36% of senior leadership positions. However, the group met its 40% target for boards, with 43% of seats now held by women.
Vivienne Artz, chief executive of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, said progress had been “achingly slow”, noting that roles like chief financial officer, chair and chief executive are the most difficult to fill. She emphasised the need to focus on the talent pipeline and female talent gaining experience in revenue-generating roles.
Burberry had the highest number of women on its leadership team among FTSE 100 companies, while Games Workshop and Fresnillo had the lowest proportion. Female representation was stronger among non-executive directors, with 49% in the FTSE 350 and 50% in the FTSE 100, flat on the previous year.
The UK ranked second among G7 countries for women in the boardroom, behind France. UK chancellor Rachel Reeves said there was “still a long way to go”, while equalities minister Seema Malhotra highlighted government measures including the Employment Rights Act to accelerate progress.
