Women in the alternatives industry bring unique blend of skills to boardrooms, study finds

A study into the skills and aspirations of 100 senior women in the alternatives industry found a high degree of appetite and suitability among respondents for corporate board appointments.
The global study, the first of its kind, was undertaken by Odgers Berndtson, the executive search firm, in conjunction with the senior membership of 100 Women in Hedge Funds (100WHF, the global, practitioner-driven non-profit organization serving over 10,000 alternative investment management investors and professionals).

The study revealed a strong appetite by women in alternatives to take on corporate board roles - 85% of those interviewed thought they would be ready for a board role within 5 years and 58% within two years. Importantly, the research found the distinct and diverse skill set needed by women to succeed in alternatives mirrors many of those needed for corporate boards. These include a high degree of financial literacy, an understanding of how to raise funding, excellent risk assessment and corporate due diligence abilities, significant corporate governance awareness, experience dealing with a range of stakeholders including institutional and sovereign investors, a culture that emphasises exceptional performance, rigour and accountability and a naturally independent, 'alternative' perspective.

Commenting on the study, Rachel Stewart of Odgers Berndtson, said: "Since the Davies Report recommended expanding the pool of talented women from which board candidates can be appointed, women in financial services have become the most in-demand demographic. Odgers Berndtson's research found that women in the world of alternatives bring many of the skills needed for success at board level and the desire to get there. There is more alignment between the key concerns of corporate boards and boards in alternative investment than may be widely understood. For instance, private equity practitioners have experience of turnaround situations often involving corporate strategy and management change."

The study found also that, as in the corporate world, the alternatives industry can do more to promote women from within to management. Legislators allowing for more onshore directors on offshore registered funds - both within alternatives and across the global investment industry - would be one way to open up board experience opportunity to a larger pool of directors including women, simultaneously reducing the potential for systemic management risk.

Kathryn Graham, Director, BT Pension Scheme Management and 100WHF London Board Vice Chair, said: "100WHF were pleased to be associated with this important study. We believe that many of our senior practitioner members have the skills and experience necessary to enter the boardroom as non-executive directors. We are hopeful that through the educational sessions that 100WHF continues to host on the topic of corporate boards, and by working with organisations such as Odgers Berndtson, we can create more opportunities for our senior practitioners in this area."

Helena Morrissey, Founder of the 30% Club commented: "As the issue of 'Women on Boards' becomes more focused on the development of a pipeline of senior women with proven skills, the 30% Club welcomes this study of one particular source of talent - alternative fund management - where women have demonstrated their aptitude through empirical performance. The nature of fund management makes it an intrinsically compelling source of expertise for a corporate board and Odgers Berndtson has thrown a spotlight on the opportunities available to companies to also diversify their boards by considering women with strong backgrounds in alternative asset management strategies."

To download a copy of the report please click here

About Odgers Berndtson
Odgers Berndtson one of the largest executive search firms in the world and the leader in a number of national markets. The firm offers a wide range of specialist and sector expertise in filling senior executive and non-executive positions, including alternative investments and board appointments. Odgers Berndtson operates across Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

About 100 Women in Hedge Funds (www.100womeninhedgefunds.org)
100 Women in Hedge Funds is a global, practitioner-driven non-profit organization serving over 10,000 alternative investment management investors and professionals through educational, professional leverage and philanthropic initiatives. Formed in 2001, 100 Women in Hedge Funds has hosted more than 300 events globally, connected more than 250 senior women through Peer Advisory Groups and raised over $25 million for philanthropic causes in the areas of women's and family health, education and mentoring.



100WHF London Board


Olivia Bernard
Partner
GreenWish Partners - Reinhold Partners
100WHF London Board Champion - France, London Board Treasurer


Effie K. Datson
Head of FX and Global Macro Prime Brokerage
Deutsche Bank


Kristen Eshak Weldon
Managing Director
The Blackstone Group International Partners LLP
100WHF London Board Chair


Sonia Gardner
President, Managing Partner and Co-Founder
Avenue Capital Group


Kathryn Graham
Director
BT Pension Scheme Management
100WHF London Board Vice Chair


Roxanne Mosley Sargent
100WHF London Board Champion - European Sr Practitioner Initiative


Carole Philippe
CLO
Aviva Investors
100WHF London Board Executive Committee member


Anne Popkin
President
Symphony Asset Management


Claire Smith
Research Analyst, Partner
Albourne Partners Limited (Swiss Branch)
100WHF London Board Champion - Switzerland



Executive Director


Amanda Pullinger, Pullinger Management LLC







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