Vorstand « Henkel Diversity Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Vorstand’

Women in Business

A Bad Aftertaste / Ein fader Beigeschmack

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 by Astrid Bosten

„Three in one Sweep”, „Two at one Go“, and „Telekom sends two Women to the Board”; these are the good headlines to somehow good news: Deutsche Telekom lately nominated two women for board positions. Amongst them is Claudia Nemat who inspired Henkel’s top leadership management in April with a captivating introductory speech that she gave during our internal Gender-Diversity-Event “WoMen’s Networking Day”.

But no sooner the announcement was made the women-duo caused trouble. The coup was only half successful and the question remains open if both women are really the best persons for the jobs and if the selection process was done properly.

At least Lothar Schröder, who is Telekom’s Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and President of Germany’s second largest labor-union Ver.di, reproaches Telekom CEO, René Obermann that the decision for choosing Marion Schick as new Head of Human Resources, was influenced by politics. Although René Obermann disclaims these reproaches, a bad aftertaste remains even before the new board ladies started their work.

And once more the discussion about women’s quota, women on board- and leadership-positions arises. Maybe a good opportunity to change perspectives: Let’s assume that the vacancies were filled by male successors. Do you think feelings would have equally run high? [DE]

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International Ambassadors

More Diversity at DAX companies / Mehr Vielfalt in DAX-Konzernen

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

Last week, the leading german business magazines had some good news: the desire for more diversity in German boards has been fulfilled – at least partly. Research conducted by the consulting firm Simon-Kucher & Partners showed, that the share of foreign board member increased. 60 percent of the board members appointed last year are not Germans. Thereby, the share of foreign board members increased to 28 percent. The author of the study, Christoph Lesch, believes a percentage of foreigners between 30 and 40 percent is desirable. The high percentage of foreigners reflects the structure of shareholders, markets and employees.
At Henkel, 60 percent of the management board are not from germany. For example, our CEO Kaspar Rorsted comes from Denmark. Employees from 48 nations work at our headquarter in Düsseldorf. Worldwide, employees from 116 different nations work for Henkel.
One objective for more diversity is fulfilled. It remains to be seen, if the desire for more women on management boards can be fulfilled as well. [DE]
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International Ambassadors

Report on equality between women and men 2010 / Bericht über die Gleichheit zwischen Männern und Frauen 2010

Friday, March 26th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

Each year, the European Commission reports to the European Council on developments towards gender equality and challenges that emerged. This year’s report points out that there is a generally positive trend towards a gender-equal society.

However, differences in employment, pay, working-hours and management positions persist. As future challenges, the report identifies a synergy between gender equality and employment, the reconciliation between work and family, the promotion of social inclusion and gender equality as well as preventing gender-based violence. As a conclusion, the commission calls to the European Council and to all EU-Nations to respond to these challenge ans transform commitment into action and results. [DE]

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Women in Business

Topless – German Boards without women? / “Oben ohne” – Deutsche Vorstände ohne Frauen?

Monday, March 22nd, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

One week ago Telekom’s HR board member Thomas Sattelberger announced a 30 percent quota for women in management position until 2015. An approach the majority of German’s Dax companies avoid until today. There intention is to get a higher share of women in top position by transparency, hiring and promotion rules or customized female career plans. The better or just another way for closing the women gap? [DE]

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Diversity & Inclusion

Telekom introduces Women’s Quota / Telekom führt Frauenquote ein

Monday, March 15th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

The first Dax-Company in Germany introduces a women’s quota of 30 % for women in leading positions until 2016. That means to double the rate of female manager’s share for Deutsche Telekom. To establish a quota is a way to prevent legislation. “There’s no advancement in the share of women in top positions. That has to be improved”, said Telekom’s HR board member Sattelberger. What do you think? Quota? Yes or no or inbetween…? [DE]

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Diversity & Inclusion

Corporate Gender Gap Report: Women still scarce at top management level / Corporate Gender Gap Report: An der Spitze bleiben Frauen rar

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

The World Economic Forum’s Corporate Gender Gap Report surveyed 600 companies in 20 countries. It shows that still less than 5% of women rise to senior management or board positions. The barriers identified were a masculine corporate culture and a lack of role models. A positive result is, that almost 40 percent of the companies are setting specific targets, quotas or policies to support women [DE].