FMG CEO, Elizabeth Gaines. Source: Fortescue Metals Group
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  • For the first time in history the ASX 200 has no all-male boards according to the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
  • This news comes after the remaining two all-male boards appointed highly qualified women to their executive teams
  • Notably, in 2015, when the AICD began its quarterly reporting of women on ASX 200 boards there were 28 all-male boards
  • AICD CEO and Managing Director Angus Armour says this is a historical moment for Australia and should be celebrated

For the first time in history, the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has revealed there are no all-male boards at Australia’s top 200 companies.

In 2015, when the AICD began its quarterly reporting of women on ASX 200 boards there were 28 all-male boards.

Just this month, the remaining two all-male boards appointed highly qualified women to their executive team.

AICD CEO and Managing Director Angus Armour said this was a historical moment for Australia and should be celebrated.

“This is testament to the leadership and commitment of ASX chairs and directors, as well as the numerous groups who have pushed for change and ensured that gender diversity remains a priority for organisations,” Mr Armour said.

“We want to ensure this success is maintained. It is important all chairs continue to prioritise diversity in the search for directors.”

According to a University of Queensland report, Australia is one of the few countries to achieve 30 per cent women on the boards of its top companies without mandated quotas or government incentives.

To continue this momentum of gender diversity in Australia, the AICD is supporting a 40:40:20 model. Under this approach, the board aims for at least 40 per cent of director seats to be held by both men and women on a consistent basis, with the remaining 20 per cent to be flexible.

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