This article delves into gender diversity among Indian CEOs, noting that only 2% are women. It explores the presence of female CEOs in both promoter-led and professional-led companies and highlights future prospects for increased female representation in leadership roles
Just 2% of the Indian CEOs are women. This is low. But how low? Women CEOs are 10.4% of the Fortune 500 companies (Fortune). So, in comparison to Fortune 500, it is low but not that bad.
The good news is that the women CEOs are to be found in both sides of the promoter-professional divide. We classify companies as Promoter-led, if the CEO (or MD, the top honcho) is a promoter or a member of the promoter family. And, classified as Professional-led, if the CEO is a professional hired by the company.
Though there are only two women CEOs, they can be found on both Promoter-led and Professional-led firms.
Still better, there is hope for the future. If we look at the layer below the CEO, specifically at the BU Heads, women represent 4% of this cohort and thus in a few short years, we should start seeing more women in the corner office. Gradually.
Note: The “CEO Landscape 2024” series is based on analysis of 100 Indian companies across 20 sectors covering both manufacturing and services. Analysis is based on very detailed analysis of CEO, CFO and the entire CXO team, covering nearly 1100 leaders.
Next up: “Tenure of the Indian CEOs”