Statistical Yearbook of Ireland 2019

Only one in nine CEOs in large enterprises in Ireland in 2019 were women. Women occupied 28% of Senior Executive roles compared with 72% for men. The vast majority of Chairpersons were male at 93% with 7% being female. The overall composition of Boards of Directors was 80% male and 20% female

• In 2019, 72% of all Senior Executives were men and 28% women.
• Men accounted for 74% of Senior Executives in the Industry sector and 69% in the Services sector.
• In the Construction sector (NACE F), men accounted for 91% of Senior Executives. The Construction sector had the lowest representation of women in senior roles, at 9%.
• The Information and communication sector (NACE J) together with the Transportation and storage sector (NACE H) recorded the next lowest level of female representation with 24% and 25% respectively.
• The Accommodation and food service activities sector (NACE I) had the highest percentage of female Senior Executives at 46%, with the Administrative and support service activities sector (NACE N) next highest at 37%. See Figure 14.2.

Foreign-owned enterprises had a slightly higher percentage of women on the Board of Directors than Irish-owned enterprises; 21% of directors were female in Foreign-owned and 19% in Irish-owned. See Figure 14.3.

• In 2019, the Boards of Directors of large enterprises comprised 80% men and 20% women.
• Men accounted for 83% of all board membership in the Industry sector and 78% in the Services sector.
• In the Construction sector (NACE F), men accounted for 92% of directors. The Construction sector had the lowest representation of women in director roles, at 8%.
• The Wholesale and retail trade sector (NACE G) and the Financial and Insurance sector (NACE K) reported the next lowest rate of female board membership with 18% and 19% respectively.
• The Other service activities sectors (NACE R+S) had the highest percentage of female board members at 26%. See Figure 14.4.