IHS Markit launches board mentorship programme for women
25 October 2018 London
Image: Shutterstock
IHS Markit has launched a board mentorship programme, designed to increase the number of female candidates put forward for boards of directors.
IHS Markit has committed to increase the percentage of female independent directors on its board from 25 percent to more than 30 percent by 2021.
Kay Swinburne, a member of the European Parliament, is the first to participate in the IHS Markit board mentorship programme, which began earlier this month.
During the programme, Swinburne will be a non-voting observing member of the IHS Markit board of directors and is expected to take an active part in all discussions.
A former investment banker and fund manager, Swinburne was elected to the European Parliament in 2009 and currently serves as vice-chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.
Jean-Paul Montupet, the chair of the IHS Markit board’s Nominating and Governance Committee, will mentor Swinburne throughout the mentorship.
Commenting on her introduction to the programme, Swinburne said: “A lack of practical experience is often cited as a factor preventing women from securing board positions and this type of mentoring can provide a crucial stepping stone to enable otherwise highly qualified women to take up these roles.”
She added: “I am excited to take this next step in my career and I commend IHS Markit for taking an innovative approach in creating opportunities for women.”
Lance Uggla, chairman and CEO of IHS Markit, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Kay Swinburne as our first board mentee. No matter the company’s size or whether it’s public or private, we believe it’s imperative for firms to open their doors to the most able candidates.”
He added: “With this new board mentorship program as a springboard, we plan to work with companies across our broad network to encourage other organisations to take on board mentees.”
“We are looking forward to the programme gaining momentum and seeing widespread adoption as companies improve diversity on their boards and recognise the need for diversity and inclusion to be embedded in their core principles.”
IHS Markit has committed to increase the percentage of female independent directors on its board from 25 percent to more than 30 percent by 2021.
Kay Swinburne, a member of the European Parliament, is the first to participate in the IHS Markit board mentorship programme, which began earlier this month.
During the programme, Swinburne will be a non-voting observing member of the IHS Markit board of directors and is expected to take an active part in all discussions.
A former investment banker and fund manager, Swinburne was elected to the European Parliament in 2009 and currently serves as vice-chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.
Jean-Paul Montupet, the chair of the IHS Markit board’s Nominating and Governance Committee, will mentor Swinburne throughout the mentorship.
Commenting on her introduction to the programme, Swinburne said: “A lack of practical experience is often cited as a factor preventing women from securing board positions and this type of mentoring can provide a crucial stepping stone to enable otherwise highly qualified women to take up these roles.”
She added: “I am excited to take this next step in my career and I commend IHS Markit for taking an innovative approach in creating opportunities for women.”
Lance Uggla, chairman and CEO of IHS Markit, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Kay Swinburne as our first board mentee. No matter the company’s size or whether it’s public or private, we believe it’s imperative for firms to open their doors to the most able candidates.”
He added: “With this new board mentorship program as a springboard, we plan to work with companies across our broad network to encourage other organisations to take on board mentees.”
“We are looking forward to the programme gaining momentum and seeing widespread adoption as companies improve diversity on their boards and recognise the need for diversity and inclusion to be embedded in their core principles.”
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