LEAD Network has announced that its membership has now passed the 30,000 mark, with more than half (54%) of its current membership having joined the non-profit in the last three years.
LEAD Network, which is focused on advancing gender equality and workplace inclusion across Europe’s consumer goods and retail industry, now has members in more than 80 countries, and is supported by 65 partner companies and more than 430 active volunteers.
‘Growing momentum’
“Reaching 30,000 members is an important milestone, but what excites me most is the growing momentum behind it,” commented Allyson Zimmermann, CEO of LEAD Network. “It took us 4.5 years to reach our first 15,000 members and only 3.3 years to welcome the next 15,000.
“For me, that reflects a growing appetite across our industry for connection, development and meaningful action to create workplaces where everyone can contribute, grow and thrive.”
As LEAD Network reported, its membership network covers different generations, with Millennials remaining the largest membership group, while Gen Z is becoming an increasingly significant part of the network.
The group, which was founded in 2011, said that membership growth has expanded in markets such as Ireland, Italy and Bulgaria, while membership has also grown through its NextGen and Impact3M communities.
Gender Diversity Scorecard
LEAD Network’s most recent Gender Diversity Scorecard showed that women held two fifths (39%) of senior executive roles across the companies tracked by the organisation in 2025, compared with 25% in 2017.
“Our industry has a unique opportunity to lead,” Zimmermann added. “We serve a diverse global consumer base, employ vast numbers of talented women and have an influence that extends across supply chains, communities and cultures.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we want our members to bring others along. LEAD Network is built by its members, for its members. Every new voice strengthens our community and brings us closer to a more inclusive future.”
LEAD Network’s annual conference will take place in Dublin on 6 and 7 October 2026, with more than 600 business leaders set to attend. More information on the conference can be found here.
