30% Club launches technology group

The 30% Club has launched a technology arm, which will be chaired by Melissa Di Donato, area vice-president of Salesforce.

The group aims to encourage technology firms to consider appointing female board members, by showcasing the contribution that women make in senior executive roles.

The technology group was launched to increase female representation on the boards of technology companies in the UK.

In addition to Di Donato, the group is made up of representatives from Brunswick Group, Cisco, Citrix, Misys, TechUK and VMware.

“Our original goal was to reach 30% women on FTSE-100 boards by the end of 2015,” said Helena Morrissey, founder of the 30% Club and CEO of Newton Investment Management. “To make this sustainable, we've significantly expanded the scope of our work and Melissa Di Donato will be an excellent ambassador.

“She has a strong record as an advocate for female participation in her role at Salesforce and will make a real impact as the chair of this important industry group.” 

Di Donato said the technology industry is committed to closing the gender gap and increasing the number of women in leadership roles.

“I firmly believe that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ so I am very keen for the 30% Club to get involved in mentoring and nurturing young women to become the technology business leaders of tomorrow,” she added.

The 30% Club launched in 2010 and aims to develop senior female talent at all levels in UK organisations. There are also 30% Clubs also exist in East Africa, Hong Kong, Ireland, South Africa and the US.