Biotech boardrooms: the benefits of gender diversity

If asked to picture the average biopharma chief executive, chief financial officer or board member, the first image to come to mind for most people would undoubtedly be a man.

The top jobs in this vibrant industry are indeed overwhelmingly held by men, but despite biotech's lack of women in leadership positions being a well-documented topic, it is still a surprise to learn that a staggering 90% of boardroom roles are currently held by men, making the gender gap one of the widest in any industry.

A 2014 study by life sciences recruiter Liftstream analyzed gender diversity of leadership across European and USA-based independent small and medium-sized biotechnology companies. The survey of almost 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) revealed that 60% of those in Europe and 52% of those in America have all-male boards, and consequently only men steering the scientific direction, strategy and vision of the company.