Inspired in Hull with Denise Wilson OBE
Breaking open the Boardroom
Wednesday 10 October | 18:00 – 20:00 | Canham Turner, University of  Hull
Book now

“We have one woman already on the board, so we are done – it is someone else’s turn” – Anonymous British Executive

There are many obstacles to gender equality in the UK, but Denise Wilson OBE (Hispanic Studies, 1984), a passionate advocate for women, is playing a leading role nationally in ensuring that talented women at the top of UK businesses are recognised, promoted and rewarded.

A seasoned Executive with a track-record for success in both the Energy sector and the Financial Services Sector, Denise has taken on the challenge of opening up British boardrooms to gender equality, in the role of Chief Executive of the Hampton-Alexander Review, building upon the progress made by the Davies Review for Women on Boards.

Since 2011, 700 women have been appointed to the boards of FTSE 350 companies. As a result, Denise is certain that the approach championed by the review is working.

‘There is now clear evidence the voluntary business-led approach is working,’ she says, ‘with a fundamental cultural change taking place at the heart of British business.’

With only 25 women (9.5%) holding executive directorships at FTSE 100 companies, compared to 18 women (5.5%) in 2011, there is, evidently, still a lot of work to be done to unleash the full extent of female talent.

As a senior adviser working with central government departments, a successful executive with significant experience at board level in FTSE listed companies, and at national charitable organisations, and as an executive coach and mentor with a portfolio of charity CEO’s and senior business women, Denise is uniquely placed to comment on the UK’s gender equality journey. Join us for a discussion on why we all need to care about British business being more diverse and inclusive, and what needs to be done to ensure we move towards gender equality.

Inspired in Hull with Denise Wilson OBE
Breaking open the Boardroom
Wednesday 10 October | 18:00 – 20:00 | Canham Turner, University of  Hull
Book now