Procter and Gamble director highlights boardroom diversity issues

Procter and Gamble's most senior UK marketer Roisin Donnelly has underlined the need for greater representation for women among British corporate boards.

Speaking at an Institute of Practitioners in Advertising event, she said companies need to embrace the differences in mentality and approach between men and women to thrive, reports Marketing magazine.

Ms Donnelly became the UK's first female board member when she was selected for the Procter and Gamble board 19 years ago, since which time the health and personal care firm has achieved a 50/50 gender split.

In the role of corporate marketing director and head of marketing, she has also been able to put in place several family-friendly policies, such as flexible working, mentoring and return-to-work support for women returning from maternity leave.

She stated: "There are gender differences … the ideal team needs to be a mixed team."

The organisation has operated in the UK and Ireland since 1930 and now has a total of 15 sites in the region.