Gender progress on ASX 200 boards stalls

Female directors account for 29.5% of all ASX200 board positions as at 31 March 2019.

The year to date appointment rate of women sits at just 23%.

AICD Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Angus Armour said the results are disappointing.

“At the beginning of this year we expected to achieve our 30 per cent target imminently, but unfortunately the overall percentage has fallen since the start of this year” he said.

“I challenge all boards to look around their boardroom and ask if there is sufficient diversity of skills, experience and gender to effectively meet the demands of a challenging governance landscape.”

The latest statistics reveal that there are still four companies with no women on their boards and 50 companies only have one female board member.

“Far too many companies appear to think that diversity stops after the appointment of one woman, said Mr Armour.

“Diverse boards help prevent group-think, leading to better outcomes for shareholders, consumers, employees and the community. They promote greater innovation and improved bottom lines.”

There were four companies on ASX200 board with no women on their boards:*

• HUB24 Limited
• ARB Corporation Limited
• Emeco Holdings Limited
• TPG Telecom Limited

* As at 31 March 2019

Media Contact: Matthew Pritchard 0412 937 390

The Australian Institute of Company Directors is committed to excellence in governance. We make a positive impact on society and the economy through governance education, director development and advocacy. Our membership of more than 44,000 includes directors and senior leaders from business, government and the not-for-profit sector.