Euronext’s women in leadership are closing the gender gap in finance. This International Women’s Day, they share their insights for aspiring future women leaders. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Euronext is proudly marking 25 years of building a European market infrastructure that fosters connection, collaboration, and inclusivity across borders. Our theme for 2025, “Closing the gap: Accelerate action”, calls for urgent progress in the fight for gender equality, which is no longer a distant aspiration but a collective responsibility to act now. Women in leadership positions at Euronext are not only breaking barriers within the financial industry, but are at the forefront of driving the change Europe needs to remain competitive, innovative, and resilient. We had the privilege of sitting down with a few of the many talented women in leadership at Euronext to discuss their journeys, challenges, and insights for future generations of leaders. 

Encouraging women to be their authentic selves 

Delphine d’Amarzit, CEO of Euronext Paris, reflects on the challenges women have faced in the financial industry, particularly in leadership roles. “When I started my career, the financial industry was predominantly male, with few women in leadership roles,” she says. “Women had to fight hard to reach these positions, and many had become hardened in the process. With more presence in managerial roles, it’s encouraging that women today don’t have to compromise their personalities and interests to have successful careers. However, it’s important to recognise that some biases still exist, and clear communication is crucial to avoid misunderstandings between professionals – men or women – with different characters and management styles. I would encourage women aspiring to have leadership roles to pursue areas they enjoy and not to hesitate to seek opportunities in competitive fields.” Through her leadership, Delphine champions authenticity, encouraging women to embrace their individuality while breaking barriers in the industry.

Authenticity in the professional world can be seen as a strength, not a weakness. As we look to the next generation, embracing one's individuality can set future leaders apart. For women looking to grow into leadership roles, this means being confident in their personal strengths rather than moulding themselves into a predefined version of what a leader "should" be. 

Championing change through access and support 

For Isabel Ucha, CEO of Euronext Lisbon, the key to women's professional advancement lies in access to education, coaching, and mentorship opportunities. “Throughout my 35-year career, I’ve witnessed significant progress for women in finance,” she says. “Professional advancement is shaped by several key factors, such as access to learning and coaching opportunities, focus and passion, self-confidence, and the ability to balance work and family life. However, despite these advancements, there are still challenges in attracting women to certain fields like finance and IT. It’s crucial to promote these sectors and encourage young women to explore the many interesting and rewarding career opportunities available in finance and technology.” 

Isabel emphasises the importance of ensuring that these industries remain open to everyone and fostering environments where women feel empowered to thrive. By advocating for equal access to career-building resources and support, she is actively working to close the gap for women in finance and technology. 

Speaking up and embracing diversity in leadership

Sylvia Andriessen, General Counsel, offers a powerful message for women seeking leadership roles: "Speak up for yourself and be vocal about your ambitions. Men do this all the time!" Sylvia emphasises that leadership doesn’t have to fit a preconceived mould. "There’s no one way to lead. It’s about finding what works for you and believing in yourself," she advises. "Your unique perspective and leadership style are strengths, and that’s what will help you inspire trust and make an impact." 

Sylvia’s words serve as a reminder that leadership is not about conforming to a set of rules. True impact comes from embracing individuality and using personal strengths to create lasting change. Whether it's negotiating for a raise, putting oneself forward for a leadership role, or voicing ideas in meetings, confidence in one's worth is essential. 

Embracing leadership with confidence and authenticity 

Aurélie Cohen, Chief Investor Relations and Communications Officer, advocates for women to trust in their voice and embrace their own unique leadership style. “Dare to ask. You are the only one who knows what you want to achieve,” she advises. “Speak up about your ambitions and ask what it takes to achieve your goals. There are many ways to lead – some excel in strategy, others in listening or creativity and innovation. What matters is staying true to yourself. Try, adapt, adjust until you find your leadership style.” She also highlights the value of a strong network. “A strong network of mentors, allies, and peers is a powerful asset. You should avoid the loneliness of the leader and share with others about your challenges and questions.” 

Aurélie’s insights reinforce that leadership isn’t about fitting into an existing construct – it’s about confidence, authenticity, and supporting one another. By daring to take their place, women can break barriers, inspire trust, and lead with impact. 

Strength in determination and collaboration

For Daniela Melato, Head of Group Data Services, success in leadership comes from determination, passion, and a commitment to collaboration. “I have always approached my career with the mindset that gender does not define one’s capabilities,” she says. “Success in leadership roles comes from being determined, hardworking and passionate. It involves going beyond personal objectives and collaborating for a bigger common goal.”  

Daniela’s insight encourages women to embrace their unique strengths, stay curious, and take proactive steps toward their dreams. Leadership is as much about teamwork as it is about individual success, and it is through working together that we can drive meaningful change. 

Patience, persistence, and the power of diversity 

Clio Cordaville, HR Director and Head of Diversity and Inclusion, speaks to the importance of patience and adaptability in one’s career journey. "Every career is unique, and it’s important to be patient while also daring to express interest in new opportunities," Clio says. "Euronext offers countless opportunities for growth, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to leadership."  

Clio, who has navigated both managerial and functional roles, knows first-hand the balancing act between professional and personal life. “As a mother of two, I’ve learned to embrace the imperfection of life while remaining very demanding with myself and others, as Euronext is! But accepting that it’s okay not to have everything figured out is key. This balance is crucial for well-being and professional success."

Accelerating action for future women leaders 

Euronext remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive financial industry. Camille Leca, Head of ESG at Euronext, highlights the progress made: “Euronext has already made significant strides in closing the gender gap. Through a proactive human resources policy and the actions supported by our Euronext Foundation, we are putting a strong emphasis on promoting finance and IT jobs towards female students. And it works! In 2024, 40% of trainees and apprentices were women, and the participation of women in the International Graduate Programme increased to 64%.” This progress is a testament to Euronext’s dedication to creating a more equitable future for all. 

The insights shared by Delphine, Isabel, Sylvia, Aurélie, Daniela, Clio and Camille highlight the importance of authenticity, access, and support in driving gender equality. Their stories of embracing individuality, championing change, and advocating for diversity serve as a powerful reminder that the journey towards equality is ongoing and requires collective effort. As we look to the future, we can accelerate our action to close the gender gap, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to lead, innovate, and thrive. With talented and inspiring women in leadership like those at Euronext, the future of finance is bright, competitive and resilient.  

How listed companies are advancing in Europe

The drive for greater gender equality in the corporate world has gained significant momentum, particularly in the wake of growing demands for improved transparency and inclusivity. Recent data from Euronext’s My ESG Profile offers a clear picture of how companies listed on the exchange are responding to these calls for action, especially concerning gender diversity on corporate boards.

2023: A landmark year for gender diversity in Euronext-listed companies

In 2023, companies listed on Euronext demonstrated impressive progress in gender diversity, particularly in the area of board composition. The average representation of women on boards of large caps reached 43%, surpassing the targets set by the EU’s Gender Balance on Corporate Boards Directive. The Directive, which mandates that large EU-listed companies must achieve at least 40% gender representation among non-executive directors by the end of 2024, has set a new benchmark for corporate governance.

What’s even more striking is that 337 large Euronext-listed companies — over 90% of the total — have already met or exceeded the Directive’s requirements three years ahead of schedule. This proactive approach by large caps serves as a beacon of commitment to inclusive governance, setting an example for smaller companies and markets across Europe. These companies are already leading in board gender diversity, reinforcing their commitment to inclusive governance and serving as a benchmark for the market. Euronext remains committed to empowering sustainable finance and fostering equitable corporate cultures.

A growing commitment to ESG reporting: gender diversity on the rise

Euronext’s efforts to promote ESG transparency continue to show results, with an overwhelming 99.4% of companies now reporting on board gender diversity. This marks a significant increase (+3.0 percentage points) in reporting rates, reflecting a growing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Over the last three years, this increase in reporting has been consistently higher than in previous years, further underscoring the growing importance of ESG factors in investment decisions.

Industries such as Healthcare and Utilities have been leading the charge in enhancing gender diversity, with significant gains of +2.9 percentage points and +2.5 percentage points, respectively. These sectors, traditionally seen as slower to evolve, have shown that gender inclusivity is not just a matter of regulatory compliance, but a key factor in fostering a more resilient, innovative corporate environment.

The path ahead: continuing to drive gender equality in leadership roles

Despite the impressive strides made, the journey toward full gender parity in the corporate world is ongoing. The average share of women in management roles across all company sizes saw the most significant increase in 2023, with an improvement of +1.7 percentage points, aligning with the steady positive trend from previous years. Large, mid, and small-cap companies alike have shown commitment to enhancing gender representation in management roles, with Basic Materials and Utilities seeing particularly strong improvements in this area.

However, while industries like  Healthcare and Real Estate have made substantial progress, some sectors, such as Basic Materials and Consumer Discretionary, are still catching up when it comes to achieving gender balance on boards and within their workforces. This highlights the need for continuous focus on gender diversity across all levels of a company’s structure.

The impact of ESG reporting on corporate culture and performance

As the demand for sustainable investing continues to grow, investors are increasingly prioritising companies with strong ESG credentials. This trend is particularly evident in the gender diversity metrics within the My ESG Profile. By providing a comprehensive overview of gender diversity alongside other ESG factors, Euronext empowers investors to make more informed decisions that align with their values.

Furthermore, the push for better gender representation is not just about improving corporate image — it is also about fostering better business outcomes. Research consistently shows that companies with greater gender diversity, particularly in leadership roles, tend to be more innovative, resilient, and financially successful. By providing transparency on these metrics, Euronext not only helps investors but also motivates companies to implement more inclusive practices, knowing that diversity is a key driver of long-term success.

A positive but steady trend toward gender equality

While the gender balance on corporate boards and in management bodies is improving, challenges remain. The slow but steady progress seen in the gender diversity metrics from Euronext-listed companies shows that significant work is still needed to shatter the glass ceiling and eliminate systemic barriers to gender equality in the workplace.

As the EU Gender Balance Directive continues to take effect, and as the demand for ESG transparency grows, it is expected that more companies will adopt more ambitious strategies to enhance gender diversity. In doing so, they will not only benefit from improved investor confidence but also contribute to a more equitable corporate culture — one where gender parity is not just an aspiration but a reality.

For now, Euronext’s commitment to empowering sustainable finance and fostering gender equality across its listed companies remains a key step in driving both social change and business success.

Driving gender diversity through enhanced ESG transparency

Euronext is steadfast in its efforts to improve transparency around ESG practices, with a specific focus on gender diversity. By providing accessible and comprehensive ESG profiles, Euronext empowers investors to align their portfolios with ethical and sustainable standards. This transparency encourages companies to adopt more inclusive and diverse strategies, knowing that failure to meet these growing expectations could result in less favourable assessments from investors prioritising ESG criteria.

Moreover, as a leader in the market infrastructure, Euronext plays a pivotal role in guiding investments towards sustainable projects. Euronext offers a range of ESG products, including bonds, derivatives, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as tailored corporate services designed to support companies on their ESG journey. This reinforces Euronext’s commitment to promoting responsible investment practices and driving positive change across the corporate sector.