The Safe Choice: Why European Boards Are Retreating from Diverse Leadership
- Marion Heil
- 6. Mai
- 2 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 12. Sept.
I just read an interesting Handelsblatt article (Führung: Warum viele Konzerne wieder auf Männer über 60 setzen) about European companies falling back on "safe" leadership choices. Seems like in uncertain times, boards are reaching for the familiar playbook - older men with decades of experience.
The Return to Familiar Territory
From where I sit in executive search, I get it! When markets are volatile, the instinct to minimize risk is strong, so boards naturally gravitate towards proven leaders who can navigate rough waters. These seasoned executives bring invaluable experience and stability. However, there are strategic moments when companies might benefit from looking beyond traditional choices to intentionally bring in fresh perspectives and next-generation thinking that can drive long-term transformation. And there is also data that suggests that younger and/or more unconventional executives often deliver stronger results long-term.
When markets are volatile, the instinct to minimize risk is strong, so boards naturally gravitate towards proven leaders who can navigate rough waters.
The Concerning Decline in Diversity
What I also see is female CEO appointments drop to just 10% across Europe - the third straight year of decline. Feels like we're sliding backward when talent pools are more diverse than ever, despite mounting evidence that diverse leadership teams drive stronger business outcomes.
Female CEO appointments are dropping to just 10% across Europe - the third straight year of decline.
The Daily Tension
The article particularly resonated with me because I see this tension play out in my day-to-day work. Clients request "seasoned veterans" while simultaneously seeking innovation and transformation. It's a challenging balance - we often want both the stability of experience AND the fresh thinking that diverse perspectives bring.
It's a challenging balance - we often want both the stability of experience AND the fresh thinking that diverse perspectives bring.
Beyond Binary Choices
What I've found most effective is encouraging boards to think beyond binary choices. Experience doesn't have to come at the expense of diversity. I believe the key is building leadership teams where different strengths complement each other rather than focusing exclusively on the CEO appointment.
I believe the key is building leadership teams where different strengths complement each other rather than focusing exclusively on the CEO appointment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marion Heil is the founder and managing director of Board+CEO Advisors. She is based in Vienna.
