Women in senior-level positions in wholesale has dropped from 20% in 2022 to 16% in 2025, a new report from Women in Wholesale (WIW) has revealed.
WIW founder Elit Rowland explained that the initiative‘s latest research shows that a lack of female role models and overwhelmingly male-dominated workplaces as two of the key reasons for this fall, which can negatively impact workplace culture and work-life balance for all.
Read more: Women in Wholesale reveals theme for 2025
“Unconscious bias training, support with return to work and menopause policies are critical enablers if we want to change this,” she said. “Businesses must do more to encourage greater numbers of female role models to drive progression and ultimately organically influence equitable gender diversity at executive and Board level.”
Lyndsey Cambridge, head of external affairs, Diversity in Wholesale and Women in Wholesale Lead, added: “A businesses culture is often covert, but it can have a significantly positive or negative impact on an organisation’s performance. If business owners and directors are committed to creating promotional pathways for women, a starting point will be taking accountability for their own legacy business culture and consciously re-shaping this.”
The report highlighted three actions for wholesalers to take:
1. Unconscious bias training isn’t a one-off – commit to long-term learning.
2. Spotlight under-represented role models in your business – it matters.
3. Sign up for the WiW newsletter for free training opportunities.
