India: Only 9 female CEOs among top 500 listed companies

women in leadership corporate governance female CEOs listed companies gender diversity

Government data reveals low female representation in top leadership roles within India’s top 500 listed companies. According to Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra, there are only nine female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and 25 female Managing Directors (MDs) among these firms.

While executive leadership remains limited, the broader corporate ecosystem shows higher participation. Data indicates there are 860 female directors and board members within these top 500 companies, including 22 female Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). On a national scale, approximately 1.1 million women serve as directors across 3.9 million total directors in active companies.

The Ministry stated it has not conducted a specific assessment of the barriers preventing women from advancing to senior leadership roles. Furthermore, no new policy measures, incentives, or diversity targets are currently under consideration under the existing legal framework.

Entities

Harsh Malhotra · India · Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Sources

भारत की शीर्ष 500 सूचीबद्ध कंपनियों में 9 महिला सीईओ और 25 प्रबंध निदेशक: सरकारी आंकड़े [samacharnama.com]

11 days ago

भारत की शीर्ष 500 सूचीबद्ध कंपनियों में 9 महिला सीईओ और 25 प्रबंध निदेशक सरकारी आंकड़े | Only 9 women CEOs among India?s top 500 listed firms: Govt data [www.bhaskarhindi.com]

11 days ago