LONDON, July 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Women continue to account for less than 25 percent of directors in corporate and not-for-profit boardrooms across the United Kingdom. To help expand the reach of women directors, Heidrick & Struggles, a premier professional services firm serving the executive search, culture-shaping and leadership needs of top organisations globally, has launched a new network for women directors in the U.K.
The Board Network brings together women board directors from a diverse range of commercial businesses and social enterprises. More than 50 women board directors participated in The Board Network's inaugural launch event July 15 in London. Sebastian Grigg, a managing director at Credit Suisse in London, provided insight into diverse thinking in the boardroom, board culture and risk.
"The Board Network creates a forum for networking opportunities for women board directors, and serves as a conduit for our client companies and social enterprises to engage with top-level board talent. This peer-to-peer interaction will help connect women directors across industry sectors, which is critical for those wanting to serve on additional boards," said Jenni Hibbert, a partner in Heidrick & Struggles' London CEO & Board Practice. Hibbert also heads the firm's Insurance practice across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
"One of the critical elements that has been helpful in my own development as an NED is to share and learn from the wisdom of others and to continuously build a supportive network. I believe that is the key to seeing more Women on Boards," said Cathryn Riley, Non-Executive Director International Personal Finance Plc, Equitable Life Assurance Society Ltd and ACE European Group Ltd. "The Heidrick & Struggles Board Network event provided such an opportunity in an atmosphere that was conducive to open discussion," said Riley.
"Heidrick & Struggles is playing an active role in helping to promote board diversity and diversity of thought. Boards will provide better governance when women are more fully represented and contributing their ideas and insight," said Alexa Bailey, manager CEO & Board Practice. "The Board Network is embedded into Heidrick & Struggles' CEO & Board Practice making it a global forum with a focus upon the development of boards at an international level."
About Heidrick & Struggles:
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is a premier provider of senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting services. For more than 60 years, we have helped our clients build strong leadership teams through quality service, deep insights and our relationships with talented individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles' leadership experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com