Boardroom diversity campaign launched in US

A new campaign to increase the number of women at the top level of American business will be launched in Boston this week.

Known as 2020 Women on Boards, the "grassroots" initiative is aiming to raise the level of female representation in US boardrooms to 20 per cent or greater by 2020.

According to recent figures from non-profit organisation Catalyst, female directors currently account for about 11 per cent of board seats across the Fortune 1000 companies.

Stephanie Sonnabend, the woman behind the new campaign, said improving the gender diversity of a company board creates "diversity of thinking", which improves decision-making processes.

She added: "We're building a network of individuals, businesses and organisations to voice their support and build momentum for the campaign."

Ms Sonnabend is chief executive of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and sits on two boards.

According to the 2020 Women on Boards website, the organisation intends to "redefine corporate governance" and create "a cultural imperative for corporate action" over the issue.