sam, Jan 27th 2024
Swiss corporate landscape sees a significant shift with 20% female leaders in top management roles. Logitech and Sandoz lead with 50% female executive boards, setting a progressive example.
In Swiss corporates, female leaders are carving their niche, representing 20% of top management across the 50 largest listed companies. This pivotal shift underscores a broader move towards gender diversity in the corporate sector, with women holding a notable one-third of board memberships. Tech giant Logitech and pharmaceutical leader Sandoz boast that 50% of their executive boards are female leaders, exemplifying gender parity.
We recently published a story about Sandoz and the pressure they are putting on their Parent company, Novartis. To what extent is any of the newly found success at Sandoz a result of diversity, single stand-out women, or are these quotas restrictive?
Adecco’s staffing powerhouse takes the lead on board diversity, with women constituting 56% of its board of directors. Adecco (a recruiting firm)showcases a commitment to inclusivity and marks a significant stride towards equitable representation. These companies not only reflect the current state of gender diversity but also align with impending federal mandates. Set to take effect in 2026 and 2031, respectively, these mandates stipulate a minimum of 30% female representation on boards and 20% on executive boards for major Swiss companies.
Could it be the case that commitment to representation brings out the best by encouraging a diversity of opinions and roles? It’s argued that companies that face regulatory barriers become less efficient; the achievement of companies such as Sandoz is their ability to reframe these regulations as an opportunity. Compared to competitors, they rise to the occasion, speaking to a depth of vision and agility not found in older organisations with more rigid managerial forms.
Swiss corporates meet and exceed these future requirements today, signaling a proactive approach to gender diversity. This trend towards increased female leadership is more than a statistic; it’s a testament to the evolving corporate ethos in Switzerland, where diversity and inclusion are becoming integral to business success.
©Keystone/SDA
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