Livingbridge, a leading mid-market private equity (PE) firm, announced the launch of The Future Board Leaders Programme. Its inaugural cohort commenced the programme in September.
The initiative will support established business leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds to transition into non-executive careers advising PE backed companies – a career path that demands different skillsets and approaches to those required on FTSE 100 boards.
Livingbridge is launching the initiative in a bid to tackle unacceptably low board diversity at private equity backed companies.
Data analysis of more than 3,700 PE-backed portfolio companies shows that, in 2022, the average female board representation was just 13%. While a 2022 sample of over 1,200 PE-backed companies found the average board representation of underrepresented groups was negligible. Despite making efforts to improve diversity on its portfolio company boards, Livingbridge still frequently sees 3-5% metrics.
The firm has over 25 years’ experience supporting 170+ companies and knows that diverse and inclusive boards deliver improved decision-making and stronger financial performance. It has developed The Future Board Leaders programme as a proactive solution that can tackle PE boards talent pipeline issue, and raise awareness of the opportunities presented by joining a PE-backed company board.
The three-month programme will give leaders the knowledge and skills to become highly effective board members and become part of the PE NXD network.