Forbes
By Kim Elsesser
May 20, 2025
Despite DEI scrutiny, a study of S&P 500 CEOs reveals women leaders are highly qualified, often exceeding male peers in experience. While women hold less than 10% of CEO positions, they are more likely to have been presidents and CFOs. This counters claims that DEI promotes unqualified candidates. However, women face barriers, including a “final drop” effect hindering their ascension to CEO, and remain underrepresented in top roles, especially in male-dominated industries.
As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives come under increasing scrutiny, some suggest that women and minorities ascending to top roles are doing so based on preferential treatment rather than merit. However, a new analysis reveals that the women who become CEO are not only qualified but may also be more experienced than their male peers. Still, the gender gap remains wide, with men continuing to dominate the CEO role.
Critics of DEI initiatives claim they result in the advancement of less qualified women and minorities. Among these critics is President Donald Trump, who told Congress, “We believe that whether you are a doctor, an accountant, a lawyer, or an air traffic controller, you should be hired and promoted based on skill and competence, not race or gender.” At the World Economic Forum, he added, “My administration has taken action to abolish all discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion nonsense,” and asserted, “America will once again become a merit-based country.” He has even linked a fatal plane crash to DEI hiring practices. His message is that DEI initiatives compromise standards.