Breaking Barriers: Getting More Women on Boards

Moderator: Kath Easthope: Co-founder & CEO, Boardwave

Speakers:

Martina King: Chair, Luminance

Adam Warby: Chair, Ocado Group & Heidrick & Struggles

Marie-Pierre Rogers: Chair, Xeneta

Event partner: A&O Shearman

Breaking Barriers: Getting More Women on Boards

Join us for a festive evening of insight, inspiration, and networking as we tackle what it really takes to get more women on boards.

While progress has been made in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented on company boards - particularly in the tech sector. As the push for greater diversity and inclusion continues, understanding the pathways, barriers, and opportunities for women at board level has never been more important.

This panel discussion brings together experienced board leaders to explore what’s needed to accelerate gender balance at the top. It is designed for female leaders who aspire to board positions, as well as those already in executive roles and anyone seeking to drive change within their organisations.

Key Discussion Points:

• What are the real barriers preventing more women from reaching board positions?
• How can companies create more inclusive board recruitment and succession planning processes?
• What role do mentorship, sponsorship, and peer networks play in supporting women’s advancement?
• How can female leaders best prepare for and position themselves for their first or next board role?

Panel Discussion:

This session will feature three accomplished leaders sharing their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned from years of boardroom experience.

Martina King – As Chair of Luminance and former CEO and Executive Chair of Featurespace Ltd, Martina brings a wealth of experience including leading the British unicorn from start-up in 2012 to its successful exit to Visa Inc. in 2024. Martina will share insights on scaling technology businesses, navigating leadership transitions, and championing diversity and inclusion at board level.

Adam Warby – Chair of Ocado Group and Heidrick & Struggles, Adam has extensive experience in leadership development and board governance. He will discuss how boards can foster diversity through intentional recruitment, allyship, and leadership pipeline initiatives.

Marie-Pierre Rogers – Chair of Xeneta and former CEO of CPGmarket.com, Marie-Pierre brings decades of experience in the global tech and logistics industries. She will share practical advice on preparing for board opportunities, managing visibility, and building a network that supports long-term success.

Together, we will explore strategies and real-world approaches to increasing female representation on boards, highlighting both systemic change and individual action, all over festive drinks and networking.