Empowering women to higher levels
Upcoming Professional Boards Forum Event
In-person London 2nd April 2025 hosted by Peel Hunt LLP
Please click here for the 2025 Programme
Please register your interest for the 2025 event here
Our event bring together leading Chairs/Senior Board Directors and women current / future non-executive directors, herewith the list of Chairs/Senior Board Directors who have already confirmed participation for April 2025, this will be updated periodically.
Lord Allen of Kensington CBE, Group Chair, Balfour Beatty plc
Vindi Banga, Partner, CD&R LLP
Mike Clasper, Chai, SSP Group plc
Michael Cole-Fontayn, NED, JP Morgan Securities plc
Roger Devlin, Chair, Persimmon plc
Adam Crozier, Chair, Whitbread plc
Annette Court, Chair, WH Smith plc
Sir Douglas Flint CBE, Chair, abrdn plc
Penny James, Senior Independent Director, Hargreaves Lansdown plc
Sir Andrew Mackenzie, Chair, Shell plc
Mike McTighe, Chair, IG Group Holdings plc
Orna NiChionna, Chair, Eden Trust
Paula Reynolds, Chair, National Grid plc (tentative)
Lucinda Riches, Chair , Peel Hunt LLP
Dr Gill Rider, President, The Marine Biological Association
Tim Score, Chair, British Land plc
Ken Scott, Chair, Lending Standards Board
Stuart Sinclair, Chair, Willis Ltd
Phil Smith CBE FREng, Chair, IQE plc
Robert Swannell, Senior Adviser,Citi
David Thomlinson, Chair, Board Audit Committee, Arup
Professional Boards Forum (PBF) was founded in 2003, following the Norwegian Government announcing legislation to ensure that 40% of board directors should be women. This controversial quota law led to an outcry from Chairmen and business communities about how and where they would find suitably qualified women to meet the quota.
Elin Hurvenes responded by creating pioneering events which brought together Chairmen and Senior Board Directors with talented, qualified women – creating an interactive forum that continues to benefit potential women NEDs and Chairmen alike.
“However good you are, if you are invisible you won’t get o on the radar. If you are not on the radar you are unlikely to get the job – networking is part and parcel of the role".’.”
Sir Roger Carr, Former Chair, BAE Systems plc
“Having been a PBF candidate myself years ago, I remember finding it one of the most educational programmes on
practical board responsibilities, discussion and governance. I walked away with confidence in my ability to add value and
an expanded network. Joining again as a Chair has been so rewarding to pay it forward..”
Terri Duhon, Independent NED, Rathbone Brothers plc