Hispanics Underrepresented on U.S. Boards Despite Recent Gains

Below is an excerpt from ISS Corporate Solution’s recently released paper “Hispanics Underrepresented on U.S. Boards Despite Recent Gains”. The full paper is available for download from the ISS Corporate Solutions (ICS) online library.

About 19% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic, but the proportion of Hispanics serving on U.S. corporate boards is far lower. While representation has seen substantial growth by percentage over the last five years, the starting point was significantly lower than that seen by other ethnic groups.  As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), ISS Corporate Solutions examines the current state and trends of Hispanic and Latin American board representation at U.S. corporations. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Hispanic directors in the Russell 3000 represent 3.6% of the total.
• In the last five years, the number of Hispanic board members has soared by 69%. 
• Hispanic women lead the change, doubling in number in five years albeit from a low base.
• Hispanic directors tend to be relatively younger, with a median age of 60, and half of them have been at their posts for less than three years.
• Only 29% of Hispanic directors have been appointed to a board leadership role compared to 41% for non-Hispanic directors.
• Hispanics CEOs represent only 2% of the total across all Russell 3000.