EXCLUSIVE: The Communications Council (TCC) has revealed a new gender diversity working group to address the perennial issue of the gender imbalance in the management ranks of marketing communications firms.
Women make up just 26% of marketing communications agency management, according to figures from TCC, and there are no female chairpersons, chief executives, managing directors or creative directors at multi-office agencies.
“This is not about if the industry will change but when,” said Loud chief executive and working group member Lorraine Jokovic. “In reality there has been no initiative like this in the industry before, and we’ve had a very positive response, which is a signal that people are ready for change.”
The group, which will be chaired by Alex Allwood, principal of The Holla Agency, will conduct research to determine the barriers to participation and key issues for women in the industry.
“From our board’s perspective this initiative is necessary and timely, with a real desire to support and enable practical initiatives that will enhance agency culture in our industry,” said TCC chief executive Margaret Zabel. “We hope to see buy-in from all senior stakeholders.”
The other committee members are Leo Burnett Melbourne chief executive Melinda Geertz, Whybin TBWA general manager Nitsa Loutsopoulos, Hello I’m Venus director Bec Brideson, BMF human resources director Katie McGrath and DDB Sydney managing partner Nicole Taylor.
There are no men on the committee to date, however Photon Group chief executive Matthew Melhuish was instrumental in forming the group. Jokovic said men would be included on the committee.
“Our group operates from the belief that gender diversity in business translates into tangible economic benefits,” Jokovic said.
“Diversity leads to a greater range of perspectives, consideration of new ideas and thinking and is therefore essential for businesses in the commercial creative sector to thrive.”
This article first appeared in the 5 April 2012 edition of
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