Gender diversity: MYTILINEOS is paving the way forward
How women's participation creates value for companies
Gender balance representation (gender diversity) is part of the broader term diversity. It is not a question of equality, as it is often approached, but of a different perspective, to avoid group thinking that limits the ability of businesses to come up with new and original solutions.
It is a fact that women are under-represented in many social, political, business expressions. There are fewer women members of parliaments, board of directors or as executives in senior and top management positions. This highlights the need for legislative initiatives that «bind» organizations to strengthen women’s participation. Such an initiative was the legislative regulation adopted in 2020 on corporate governance, obliging companies to adopt a minimum quota per gender in board of directors (in particular: 25% of its members must be women). The law will be effective during the summer of 2021 and by that time companies will have to comply with the new regulatory framework.
Greek industry leader MYTILINEOS did not wait for this law to be enforced. Having demonstrated that good corporate governance constitutes its driving force, it has already ensured that 27% of members are women. On the occasion of Women’s Day, three members of MYTILINEOS’ Board of Directors discuss the reasons why it is important for companies to involve participation of all genders, ages, and of different skills. They also discuss how MYTILINEOS responds to this necessity
Peggie Antonakou, independent non-executive Member of MYTILINEOS:
An inclusive environment helps to attract talents, creates security, brings in new ideas and fresh proposals, while fulfilling the imperatives of strong corporate governance. Therefore, it should be sought after by companies right from the outset, not being just another piece of legislation being enacted.
It is important that this has started to become an established practice. However, given that the pandemic has already led to a slowdown in many areas, we should be careful not to take steps backwards; on the occasion of this adversity, we should capitalize on the diversity and the possibilities opening up as a springboard for development.
Tina Mavraki, independent non-executive Member of MYTILINEOS:
Our Board of Directors has benefited substantially from diversity, not only in terms of gender, but also in terms of age and skills, which contribute significantly and variably to complex strategic issues in a period marked by uncertainty.
In addition, the quality and participation of women senior management executives in departments, such as the financial and legal directorates has been a source of encouragement for me. Building a generation of female professionals at the highest-ranking level will ensure the company’s continuity and the depth of diversity, drawing on benefits beyond the obvious ones. It will also mobilize a bright future team of young talents.
Natalia Nikolaidis, independent non-executive Member of MYTILINEOS:
As global General Counsel at an International Bank in the Investment Banking & capital markets sector in New York and London, a typically male-dominated environment, I appreciate the different outlook a woman brings to traditional top management. I staunchly support private initiative in the business arena; As a woman, however, I approach issues such as risk management, reputation, franchise, and relations with the stakeholders quite differently from men.
I think that, especially during challenging times, it is particularly useful to have a diversity of approaches, from both genders. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, with more women participating in senior management, the quality of business decision making has been upgraded. Women play a key role in society as business leaders, as pillars of society, and as models for future generations.
Our commitment to high standards of corporate governance, including diversity, is confirmed by our commitment to draw on different experiences and approaches. I believe that our commitment is evident in all our activities and guides us in the dialogue with our social partners.
In the meantime, in addition to top management, women are also involved in MYTILINEOS senior management, with two women in key positions: in the HR Directorate-General and in the Company’s Directorate-General for Communication and Strategic marketing.
Citing their own opinion, the two executives commented the following:
Vivian Bouzali, General Manager Communication & Marketing Strategy in MYTILINEOS:
Dimitra Brakatselou, General Manager Human Resources in MYTILINEOS:
Our aim is to design and implement initiatives that create the conditions for increasing the percentage of women holding administrative and management posts. At the same time, education and development programs will raise awareness around possible subconscious bias and discriminatory behaviors and will boost balanced decision- making regarding issues of evaluation, remuneration and development of our people.
- Σουδάν: Αναφέρει 22 νέους θανάτους από χολέρα εν μέσω συγκρούσεων
- Τζερόμ Πάουελ: Τι σήμα θα δώσει για τα επιτόκια – Κρατά τα κλειδιά της παγκόσμιας οικονομίας
- Στα «ΝΕΑ» της Δευτέρας: Καύσωνας στα ράφια
- Ο Μαδούρο κατηγορεί τον Μιλέι πως χρηματοδότησε κυβερνοεπιθέσεις εναντίον της Βενεζουέλας
- Γερμανία – Πράσινη μετάβαση: Πώς «λιώνει» τις χαλυβουργίες
- Ενέργεια: Οι φόροι σε crypto και data centers θα μειώσουν τις εκπομπές CO2