Women make up record share of executives at listed firms

gettyimagesbank Proportion still accounts for only 6.3 percent of leadership positions By Lee Yeon-woo The number of female executives in Korea's top 100 companies reached a record high of 463 this year, data showed Monday. This marks an increase of 5.

5 percent compared to 2023, according to Unico Search, a headhunting platform. The platform surveyed both registered and non-registered executives at the top 100 domestic companies by revenue in 2024, revealing these findings. This year’s figure shows a significant rise from just 13 female executives in 2004 and more than 300 higher than the 106 recorded in 2014.



However, the proportion of women among all executives remains relatively low at just 6.3 percent this year, similar to 2023. Read More [INTERVIEW] Female leadership not just diversity issue, but survival necessity [INTERVIEW] Diversity, inclusion crucial to elevating ethical standards in finance This proportion has risen steadily in recent years — from 3.

5 percent in 2019, to 4.1 percent in 2020, 4.8 percent in 2021 and 5.

6 percent in 2022 — surpassing 6 percent for the first time last year. The number of companies appointing female executives also continues to grow. This year, 74 of the top 100 companies have female executives, up by two from last year, marking a new record.

Samsung Electronics leads with the highest number of female executives at 81, followed by CJ CheilJedang and Naver, each with 26. Hyundai Motor has 20, Amorepacific has 16, and both Lotte Shopping and LG Electronics have 14. Among companies with 10 or more female executives, Amorepacific has the highest proportion, with women making up 28.

1 percent of its executives. In total, the survey identified 10 female inside directors among the top 100 companies, four of whom hold CEO positions. These include Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin, LG H&H CEO Lee Jung-ae, Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon, and Korea Gas Corp.

CEO Choi Yeon-hye..