At Avant Advisors, we have been deeply engaged in the evolution of diverse thinking within the boards and executive teams of Finnish listed companies.
Our latest study explores the pathways to board membership and chairperson roles, with a particular emphasis on the various dimensions of diversity in board work.
We observe that the most common route to board membership is through CEO or business leadership roles. These individuals mostly come with academic degrees in economics or engineering.
Board chairpersons are typically seasoned professionals focused on board work, with a CEO background—and statistically, mostly men. As more qualified women enter boardrooms, nomination committees have a unique opportunity to actively promote gender balance in chairperson selections as well.
Encouragingly, gender equality in boards has progressed. Currently, 38% of companies have boards with at least 40% female representation—a significant improvement over recent years.
We can all take concrete steps to enhance the diversity of thought and competitiveness of Finnish companies - be it as candidates, nomination committee members, owners of companies or as executive search consultants finding the hidden gems for these roles.
Download the report by filling in your contact details here.