One for the (female) boss: Heidrick & Struggles launches leadership network for senior executive women

Heidrick & Struggles, a premier provider of executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping worldwide, has launched The Leadership Network, a forum for women in executive leadership roles across the world who aspire to C-Suite and non-executive director roles.

The Leadership Network’s inaugural event on 12 October entailed a breakfast briefing and panel discussion that included Sir Nigel Rudd, Chairman of BBA Aviation plc, and Alice Avis, Non-Executive Director of The British Growth Fund plc. More than 130 senior executive women from industry, government and the not-for-profit sector attended the event.

During the discussion, Sir Nigel noted the trend for women executives who might otherwise have a path to C-Suite roles opting instead for so-called “plural careers” ­– that is accepting multiple non-executive director roles – making them unavailable for the highest executive positions in their primary career. “We have too few top female executives today and the growing tendency for pursuing plural careers does not help matters,” he commented.

“The launch of the Leadership Network helps address the need to create and support a sustainable talent pipeline for senior women leaders in business,” said Jenni Hibbert, a Partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ London office and leader of the firm’s Financial Services Practice in the UK. “It is an invitation-only forum for female C-Suite leaders and our objective is to offer senior women across all sectors the opportunity to enhance their professional development, exchange ideas and share learning with their peers.”