Gender Parity in German Executive Boards Declines

According to FidAR's latest Women-on-Board (WoB) Index, the trend towards gender parity in German top management has halted, with a decline in female representation in executive boards. As of May 2026, women comprise 19.1% of executive boards, a drop from 19.9% in 2025. Meanwhile, the proportion of women on supervisory boards has stagnated at 37%. The findings highlight a concerning rise in the number of companies with all-male executive boards.

FidAR emphasizes the need for increased pressure through fixed quotas, advocating that quotas enhance female representation in leadership. Currently, 101 companies adhere to supervisory board quotas, achieving a higher female representation than those not under quotas. Despite existing quotas, some companies still plan for zero female participation on executive boards, indicating a potential need for stricter regulations.