Women held 40.6% of board seats across the S&P Europe 350 in 2024, up from 39.4% in 2023, according to analysis from The Conference Board. This steady progress puts many Europe-listed companies on track to meet the EU’s Gender Balance on Boards Directive by the mid-2026 deadline.
The record level of women’s board representation reflects sustained efforts to improve diversity. However, in light of increasing legal and political scrutiny of diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) in some countries, companies may benefit from repositioning board diversity not solely as a DEI initiative but as a strategic governance priority. To maintain progress, they can:
myTCB® Members get exclusive access to webcasts, publications, data and analysis, plus discounts to events.