Grainger becomes first FTSE firm with women in top three roles
Campaigners have hailed a “breakthrough” as landlord Grainger became the first FTSE company to appoint women to its three most senior board positions.
Grainger has appointed Vanessa Simms as its next finance director, beginning next year.
Meanwhile new chief executive Helen Gordon gets ready to join the firm next month.
The landlord’s board is chaired by Baroness (Margaret) Ford.
The move was welcomed by the 30% Club, which is campaigning to achieve 30% female representation in boardrooms.
Katushka Giltsoff, a partner at the Miles Partnership and an organiser of the 30% Club, said: “This is a positive step and a breakthrough in gender diversity for boards.”
High on the list of the trio’s priorities will be fending off a campaign from activist investor Crystal Amber.
It has a 3% stake in the landlord, which manages a portfolio of 20,000 homes worth more than £3 billion.
Crystal Amber has said the firm is ripe for a takeover by an institutional investor.
The activist has previously targeted firms including chocolatier Thorntons and film studio Pinewood.
Simms joins Grainger from student accommodation provider Unite Group. She replaces Mark Greenwood, who is retiring.
Ford said: “Vanessa brings strong and relevant plc and real-estate experience to Grainger.”
