Setback for CBI chief as City top woman claims rape allegations could hurt women’s progress in business
A leading female City manager is the latest to voice fears allegations of harassment and rape swirling around the CBI could hurt women’s progress in business.
The comments from Anna Manz, chief financial officer at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), came as the CBI’s new boss began her fight for its survival.
Allegations of rape and sexual harassment have prompted dozens of prominent companies to end or suspend their involvement with the lobby group — and the government to stop talking to the lobby group.
The LSEG left the CBI a few months ago before any allegations emerged. But Manz said, “They really worry me. It’s not what I’d like to see in any workplace and I’m glad they’re being thoroughly investigated.”
London Stock Exchange CFO Anna Manz (pictured) claims rape allegations at the CBI could hurt women’s progress in business
Manz, who works with other female finance leaders to help women advance careers in the industry, said: “There has been positive progress on gender equality in the financial services industry, which is exciting. It is in that context that this is worrying.’
Earlier, Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI’s new director general, told the Financial Times that a root and branch investigation could lead to a name change.
Eyebrows have been raised over the appointment of Newton-Smith, who was chief economist at the CBI for nearly nine years before recently leaving for Barclays.
In an interview with Sky News, she said she “had to bear in mind that I was here when some of these allegations happened.”
GSK chief executive Emma Walmsley said this week that the allegations were “quite repugnant.” And Helena Morrissey, a city financier, said she feared “terrible” claims would “dissuade women from getting into the industry.”