The latest edition of LEAD Network’s Gender Diversity Scorecard has revealed that the percentage of women in senior executive positions across the European retail and consumer goods industry has risen to 39%, from 37% in 2024.
The biennial scorecard was first launched in 2017, when 25% of senior executive positions were held by women, indicating continued, albeit slow, progress.
In consumer goods and manufacturing, the percentage of women in senior roles stands at 42%, a rise of four percentage points since 2023, while in retail, it stands at 36%, compared to 35% two years ago.
The findings are based on responses from 25 LEAD Network partner companies representing 6,886 senior executives in Europe, of which 2,661 are women.
‘Commitment behind the progress’
“It’s encouraging to see the needle moving in the right direction, and the commitment behind this progress is worth recognising,” commented Allyson Zimmermann, CEO of LEAD Network.
“However, the pace of change remains far too slow. Gender inequity is one of the most pressing – yet unresolved – business challenges. Addressing it is not only a moral imperative but also a business one, with potential to unlock an estimated $5–6 trillion in added value to the global economy.”
According to LEAD Network, women remain under-represented in decision-making roles in business, even though they constitute about half the workforce and influence 70% to 80% of consumer spending.
Gender Diversity Scorecard
The Gender Diversity Scorecard findings were announced at the LEAD Network Conference, which is taking place in Milan this week. The 2025 edition of the scorecard features data collected from 3 March to 30 May of this year.
“Advancing gender equity requires a strategic, systemic, and long-term approach,” Zimmermann added. “At LEAD Network, we remain resolute in our mission to attract, retain and advance women in the sector. We are deeply grateful to our members, partners and supporters for their ongoing commitment. Together, we will continue our journey towards 50/50.”
LEAD Network is a non-profit, volunteer-led organisation that represents more than 26,000 members from 81 countries and 65 partner companies. Read more here.
Read more: Women’s empowerment is ‘an economic imperative’, says UN Global Compact
