Analysis of board diversity data released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) reveals that the ASX 200 and 300 have a record number of women Chairs.

On the ASX 300, at the end of June, there were 42 women Chairs and on the ASX 200 there were 25.

This is a considerable jump from the start of the year when the numbers were 34 and 19 respectively.

Higher on the ASX, there were 14 on the ASX 100 and five on the ASX 50. Unfortunately, there are no women’s Chairs on the ASX 20.

Positively, there are more than 40 per cent of women on the boards of the ASX 50 and 20, and the ASX 100 has nearly reached the same, currently at 39.3 per cent.

AICD Managing Director and CEO Mark Rigotti said these significant milestones are a powerful testament to the commitment of Australia’s top boards to gender diversity.

“It’s encouraging to witness more and more women leading at the highest levels and shaping corporate Australia.

“However, with no women Chairs currently on the ASX 20, there is still more work to be done and the AICD remains committed to ensuring that accomplished women are visible.”

“Applications for the next program are now open and I encourage emerging female directors to apply.”

Chair of the 30% Club Australia, Nicola Wakefield Evans, said it is unclear why, despite the progress on the ASX 200 and 300, there are no women Chairs at Australia’s top 20 companies.

“The ASX 20 is leading the way on the percentage of women on boards, but obviously there is more work to be done when it comes to the role of Chair.”

“A ceiling still exists for women’s participation at the top of boards as well as at the top of our largest organisations, in the c-suite.”

“To ensure women can progress up the leadership pipeline into these positions, it is up to the board to ensure a company’s policies and procedures support equal opportunities.”