Shareholder activism campaigns disproportionately target women-led companies

Shareholder activists are increasingly zeroing in on women leaders. The Conference Board and ESGAUGE says activists targeted 16% of women-companies in the Russell 3000 between 2018 and 2025, though women comprised only 6% of CEO roles. The report notes that activists may believe it’s easier to exert influence over female CEOs, adding that it fits into the stereotype that women are generally more cooperative than men. Research also shows women CEOs face similar dismissal rates regardless of their company’s performance, while male CEOs are less likely to be ousted under similar circumstances. In general, activist campaigns have more than tripled since 2018.