PHILADELPHIA, PA — Women are claiming a larger share of leadership in Greater Philadelphia’s corporate landscape, according to the 2025 Women in Leadership Report released by The Forum of Executive Women. The annual study reveals that women now hold 30% of board seats among the region’s top 100 public companies — a 2% rise over last year and an 18% increase since 2013 — marking steady progress toward gender parity in corporate governance.
This year’s report, unveiled before more than 500 attendees at The Forum’s annual Leadership Breakfast, highlights a dual milestone: the growing influence of women in executive roles and their rising control of generational wealth. The event’s theme, “The Great Wealth Transfer: Women, Wealth, and the New Power Structure,” underscored how an estimated $84 trillion in assets is expected to shift across generations in the next two decades — a transition that could reshape philanthropy, politics, and entrepreneurship in the years ahead.
“The Forum is committed to ensuring women leaders are positioned to shape the economic and social landscape that emerges from this unprecedented shift,” said Meghan Pierce, President and CEO of The Forum of Executive Women.
The 2025 findings show a clear acceleration in progress. Women filled 40% of all new and replacement board seats this year, compared with 36% in 2023, and only three companies in the region now lack female board representation — a dramatic improvement from 35 in 2013. Additionally, the number of female CEOs more than doubled, from four to nine, while women now hold 22% of executive roles and 19% of top-earning positions.
Fifty-four companies achieved “Champions of Board Diversity” status for reaching the 30% threshold of women directors. Among top performers were American Water Works Co. (60%), Hydrofarm Holdings Group (50%), and The Chemours Company (45%).
Beyond the data, the report features expert commentary on how women’s expanding economic influence is transforming industries. Morgan Stanley economist Arunima Sinha noted that women — who comprise nearly 60% of the population over age 75 — will play a defining role in the flow of intergenerational assets, potentially reshaping markets and investment patterns. Rutgers University’s Debbie Walsh emphasized the potential for women’s growing wealth to translate into greater political influence, while Tanya Morris of Mom Your Business urged intentional investment in women- and minority-led enterprises to close persistent wealth gaps.
The Forum’s call to action urges women to claim board seats, invest intentionally, and mentor strategically, while encouraging companies to accelerate gender parity by 2027 through measurable accountability and partnerships that advance women’s leadership pipelines.
The full 2025 Women in Leadership Report — including detailed rankings and trend analyses — is available at www.foew.com/women-in-leadership.
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