Livingbridge launches board diversity program

September 13, 2024 (Preqin News) – Mid-market private equity firm Livingbridge has launched The Future Board Leaders Programme, to tackle low diversity on private equity portfolio company boards after routinely seeing 3–5% diversity metrics there.

Starting next week, the three-month program will offer mentorship, strategic insights, and network-building support for senior business executives to transition into non-executive careers advising private equity-backed companies.

Livingbridge Managing Partner Wol Kolade previously co-founded the 10,000 Black Interns initiative to provide a foundation for more black graduates to pursue careers in business.

Ruby Biring, Livingbridge Head of Talent and program co-founder, told Preqin News that after trying different things to tip the balance on private equity company boards, diversity remained underrepresented, suggesting that candidates with a diverse background may feel more drawn to public boards than private equity-run companies.

However, Biring hopes that raising awareness of the career opportunities in private equity-backed companies, setting individuals up for success in an environment different from public companies, and ensuring candidates know what to expect and whether it’s the right choice will help tip the balance.

Livingbridge invests across the technology, services, healthcare & education, and consumer sectors, but Biring says low diversity at the board level runs throughout sectors in the private equity industry.

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