CHANGING THE FACE OF BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
In the 2024 summary, we share the facts and tell the stories. The data here tells a story of positive change and yet also highlights the imperative that more women of color join the ranks.
VIDEO: WBC, C200, Catalyst and Ascend discuss the data, strategies and realities of women CEOs across the business landscape at the 2024 Action for Impact Summit.
Insights
Women Business Collaborative (WBC) has released the 4th Annual 2024 Women CEOs in America Report which highlights a mix of progress and challenges that remain for women in corporate leadership.
The report, completed in partnership with Ascend, C200, and Catalyst, highlights growth in sectors like the Russell 3000 and private enterprises, alongside stagnation in the Fortune 500. The report’s data reveals that women are making significant gains in smaller public companies, marking a shift in boardroom culture across America:
Fortune 500: Women CEOs Hold Steady at 10.4%: Women’s representation in the Fortune 500 remains at 10.4%, with 52 women CEOs in 2024, up from 41 in 2021. Notable new appointments include Joanna Geraghty at JetBlue, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline.
Russell 3000: Women’s Leadership Grows: In 2024, 9% of CEOs in the Russell 3000 were women, up from 6.2% in 2021, marking a 66% increase. Women continue to make strides in smaller public companies, demonstrating their value in leadership roles.
Women Entrepreneurs: Surge in Business Ownership: Women entrepreneurs have grown by 41% year-over-year, outpacing their male counterparts by 25%. With 13.5 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., women now own 34% of all small businesses and franchises, significantly impacting the economy.
Private Companies: Significant Increase in Women Leaders: Private companies valued over $1 billion saw a 118% increase in women CEOs from 2023. Leaders like Deb Liu at Ancestry.com and Beth Ford at Land O’ Lakes are driving change in these organizations.
