LEAD Network, which focuses on advancing gender equity and workplace inclusion, has announced it has reached the milestone of 25,000 members across Europe’s consumer goods and retail industry.
The group, which was founded in 2011, said that its membership has grown by around 13% in the past seven months, with its 25,000th member coming from the same company as its first, many years ago – Mars, Incorporated.
The milestone member, Janine Diepenhorst, works as a data steward for Mars in the Netherlands, and said that she joined LEAD Network to “listen to and get inspired by women leading in business”.
About LEAD Network
LEAD Network, short for Leading Executives Advancing Diversity, was co-founded by Mick Broekhof and Helayne Angelus with support from 13 senior industry leaders, and was inspired by the US-based Network of Executive Women. In the years since its formation, LEAD Network, which is free to join, has grown to include 17 regional and functional chapters as well as 65 partner companies.
Initiatives such as the Gender Diversity Scorecard, an industry benchmark tracking women’s representation in senior leadership (which rose from 25% in 2017 to 37% in 2023) and the CEO Gender Parity Pledge, a commitment signed by over 50 CEOs to close the gender gap, have helped move the needle on gender equality and workplace inclusion.
According to the organisation, companies that sign the pledge are reported to move twice as quickly toward gender equity goals as non-signatories.
“The proportion of women in senior executive roles in our industry has increased from 25% in 2017 to 37% in 2023 – a powerful indicator of progress,” commented Allyson Zimmermann, CEO of LEAD Network.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we invite our members to bring others along. This network thrives because it’s built by members, for members. Every new voice adds strength to our mission – and every action brings us closer to a more inclusive future.”
LEAD Network’s next annual conference is scheduled to take place on 8–9 October 2025 in Milan. More information can be found here.
