CBI president elect tells firms to hire women
FORMER Economist editor Helen Alexander has told firms to hire more women for boardroom roles, just hours after being nominated as the next president of industry union the CBI.
Alexander warned yesterday there is a risk of “group think” at firms that only put white men in senior roles, arguing the benefits of diversity justify focusing on female appointments.
“It is clear that teams that have diversity within them don’t result in group think – people come at things in a different way and organisations have to take those into account,” she said.
She added that given the uncertain economic times, constructive dialogue is critical.
The industry heavyweight will become the first ever female president of the CBI if she gets approval at its annual meeting in June.
The CBI, considered the most important trade association, represents 80 per cent of FTSE 100 firms.
Oxford graduate Alexander will succeed current president Martin Broughton if successful.
Alexander has also held non-executive roles at Northern Foods, British Telecom, Centrica and Rolls-Royce. She is married with three children.