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Female Leadership On The Rise: UK Boards Set A New Diversity Record

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 3, 2025

The UK is experiencing a surge in female representation on corporate boards, yet the number of female chief executives among the 100 biggest listed firms has recently dipped to fewer than 10, highlighting a nuanced picture of progress in gender diversity.

According to the government-backed FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now hold an all-time high of 43.4% of board seats across FTSE 350 companies—up from 42.1% in 2023. Among the 100 largest companies, female board representation has climbed to 44.7%, compared to 42.6% last year. Sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG, the report reveals that women occupy 1,275 board roles and 6,743 leadership positions (35% of total roles) at these companies, placing the UK second only to France among G7 nations—France boasts 45.4% representation, bolstered by quota policies.

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However, the progress comes with a caveat: the number of female chief executives in the FTSE 100 has slightly declined, with only 19 women at the helm compared to 20 in 2023. The current female FTSE 100 CEOs include prominent figures such as Emma Walmsley at GSK, Jennie Daly at Taylor Wimpey, Amanda Blanc at Aviva, Debra Crew at Diageo, Liv Garfield at Severn Trent, Louise Beardmore at United Utilities, Margherita Della Valle at Vodafone, Milena Mondini at Admiral Group, and Allison Kirkby at BT. Additionally, Stella David, chair of Entain, has stepped in as interim chief executive following Gavin Isaacs’ unexpected departure.

Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson summed up the challenge, stating, “Today’s report shows that while the momentum is with us, we have so much further to go. I know from founding my own business how strong female voices inspire positive change throughout an organisation, bringing new ideas and adding greater value.”

At a recent London event, business leaders, ministers, and industry experts gathered to discuss how these trends are fueling a more dynamic economy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stressed, “The UK is leading the charge for gender equality in boardrooms, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We must break down the barriers that stop many women from reaching top leadership positions.”

As the conversation continues, the government is working closely with businesses to encourage greater female representation in key roles, such as company chairs and CEOs. Despite the slight dip in female FTSE 100 CEOs, the overall trajectory points toward a more inclusive, forward-thinking future in British corporate leadership.

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Santorini Tourist Sector Confronts Declining Arrivals Amid Earthquake And Economic Challenges

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 9, 2025

Declining Numbers Signal A Shift In Demand

Santorini, one of Greece’s most celebrated islands, is witnessing a significant downturn in tourist activity. After a year of recovery efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic, the island’s capital, Fira, now sees sparsely populated streets and quiet alleys—a stark contrast to its usual summer bustle.

Earthquakes And Economic Hesitancy Impact Growth

Recent seismic events have not only shaken the island’s infrastructure but also deterred international visitors. Data from local tourism authorities reveal that available airline seats in Santorini have plummeted by 26% since the start of the year, with projected losses in overall arrivals ranging from 10% to 15%. This downturn is particularly concerning given that Santorini attracts over 3 million visitors annually, constituting approximately 10% of Greek tourism revenue.

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Industry Leaders Sound The Alarm

Yannis Paraschis, president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), emphasized the alarming decline in air travel while Antonis Pagoni, president of Santorini hoteliers, warned that overall visitor arrivals could drop by as much as 20%-25%. Such a reduction poses significant risks not only for the island’s hospitality sector but for the broader Greek economy as well.

Adaptive Strategies And Future Outlook

In response, local hoteliers are offering substantial discounts on room rates to attract last-minute tourists. Despite daily stops by several cruise ships—which deliver thousands of visitors to the island—the ongoing cost of living crisis is curbing spending on accommodations, dining, and retail purchases. The forthcoming cruise tax, scheduled for implementation in July, is not expected to affect this year’s visitation figures, but it remains a variable in the evolving tourism landscape.

Conclusion

As Santorini navigates both natural disruptions and economic headwinds, its tourism sector faces a challenging road ahead. Industry leaders stress that the continued decline in visitor numbers could have ripple effects across all facets of the Greek economy, necessitating swift and innovative measures to restore confidence and buoy revenue streams.