When it comes to women in power, Europe is leading the charge, with a roster of influential women who are making their mark in various industries. This International Women’s Day, Fortune celebrates the achievements of these trailblazers, particularly those aged 55 and above, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Europe’s top companies.
Among these female powerhouses is Dominique Senequier, CEO of private equity firm Ardian. As one of the first women admitted to École Polytechnique, Senequier has made her mark as a trailblazer in her field. Similarly, Allison Kirkby has become the first female CEO in the 178-year history of telecoms giant BT.
However, despite these notable achievements, there is still much progress to be made. In a recent study by Fortune, it was revealed that only 7% of Europe’s top 500 companies based on revenue were run by women. This highlights the urgent need for gender diversity in Europe’s corporate world. Indeed, studies have found that women-led companies often yield higher profit margins and are more likely to invest in climate-related initiatives.
Here are some of the women who have made a significant impact on Europe’s business landscape:
Hilde Merete Aasheim, CEO of Norsk Hydro
As the CEO and President of Norwegian aluminum and energy giant Norsk Hydro, Aasheim has shown exceptional leadership qualities in steering the company through the challenges of the pandemic.
Belén Garijo, CEO of Merck KGaA
Garijo, who started her career as a physician in Spain, is now among the few female CEOs in the chemicals and life sciences sector. Her commitment to gender diversity is evident in the fact that over a third of Merck’s top leaders are women.
Dominique Senequier, CEO of Ardian
As the founder and CEO of one of Europe’s largest private equity firms, Senequier has proved that women can successfully navigate this niche of finance. Under her leadership, Ardian has committed to increasing female representation in its workforce.
These women, along with others, are not only breaking glass ceilings but also paving the way for future leaders. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognize these achievements and continue striving for gender equality in all sectors. The future of business relies on it.
Forbes encourages everyone to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable women. After all, as Bianca Tetteroo, executive board chair of Netherlands-based Achmea aptly puts it, “Dare to jump into the deep end. What’s the worst thing if it doesn’t work out?”.
Stay tuned for future Fortune lists highlighting female business leaders in continental Europe and around the world.
