As the board diversity debate gathers momentum, the myth surrounding lack of senior female talent is being challenged by Harvey Nash, the global executive search and leadership consulting firm, and The University of Hong Kong Business School (HKU). Together, they announce the Women’s Directorship Programme 2017.
This is the sixth instalment of the world-leading board governance programme exclusively for board-level female executives, designed to equip them with skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate they are ready for the responsibilities of the boardroom.
Covering two three-day sessions in May and September 2017, the programme is designed to unlock the full potential of the international female executive talent pipeline and equip participants with the knowledge and insights needed to add the most value to a board.
Albert Ellis, CEO, Harvey Nash Group, said: “One of the oldest and long-standing arguments about why there aren’t more women on boards needs to be completely eradicated. After five years of hosting the Women’s Directorship Programme we have seen the true extent of the exceptional female talent available – there are no excuses, every board should include female representation so that half of the world’s talent isn’t overlooked.”
“By empowering female leaders to gain the confidence and skills needed to secure board positions, the Women’s Directorship Programme demonstrates Harvey Nash’s commitment to altering the representation of women in leadership roles across the world.”
Now in its fifth year, the Women’s Directorship Programme has already had an impact, with thirty percent of the programme’s alumni having since gained their first boardroom position, serving to make a lasting impact on the worldwide business community.
The programme is supported by senior business leaders, including Donald Brydon, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, Rick Haythornthwaite, Chairman of Centrica and MasterCard and Raymond Ch’ien, Chairman of Hang Seng Bank, and a distinguished alumni network.
Donald Brydon, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange and Sage Group, Guest Speaker on the Women’s Directorship Programme, said: “Whilst we still have a long way to go in achieving boardroom equality, women are increasingly stepping into roles of power and influence. The Women’s Directorship Programme is a catalyst for this change, bringing together academia and practitioners to share their wealth of knowledge and experiences, so that female leaders can excel.”
The 2017 Women’s Directorship Programme includes six modules, taught over two three-day sessions (May 25-27 and September 14-16, 2017):
Professor Larry Qiu, Director of Executive Education, HKU Business School, said: “The Women’s Directorship Programme enables participants from different business sectors and cultures to develop the communication and management skills required to face the challenges of the boardroom. By giving participants access to boardroom insights and experiences of world business leaders, the programme ensures female leaders are set up for success.”
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