How can London benefit from more diverse leadership?

The need for gender equity in the workplace has increased in recent years and is now a clear priority for society and business. Yet progress is slow and more needs to be done to ensure there is a continued focus on increased diversity in the workplace.

McKinsey & Company's recent report Delivering Through Diversity explores the economic case for gender equity in senior roles, showing a direct link between diversity and company financial performance. Based on data from 1007 companies in 12 countries, the research found companies with highest levels of diversity in their executive teams are more likely to enjoy above-average profitability than those that are the least diverse.

An opening address by Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business, will be followed by Vivian Hunt, Managing Partner for the UK & Ireland at McKinsey & Company, presenting the findings. She will then join a panel discussion with Lisa White, Head of HR, Lendlease and Cllr Clare Coghill, Leader, Waltham Forest.

The panel will highlight the benefits diversity can bring to London boroughs and business, and its importance to London's economy and status as a global capital, while provoking lively discussion on what proactive steps London's major employers in the public and private sectors should be taking to lead the way.