More women to fill the boardroom

Former Economist editor Helen Alexander has told firms to hire more women for boardroom roles, just hours after being nominated as the next president of industry union the CBI.

Alexander warned there is a risk of "group think" at firms which only put white men in senior roles, arguing the benefits of diversity justify focusing on female appointments. She added that given the uncertain economic times, constructive dialogue is critical.

Alexander will become the first ever female president of CBI if she gets approval in June. The CBI, considered the most important trade association, represents 80 of the FTSE 100 firms.