The year 2018 has seen private equity taking more seriously the need to hire women, especially in senior roles, as firms face increasing pressure from their investors.

Investment firms have long struggled to answer calls to diversify their ranks. Only 6% of senior private equity dealmakers in Europe are women, according to Level 20, an organisation founded by women in senior roles in private equity, and the British Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. If associate-level professionals are included, women account for 14% of all private equity dealmakers in Europe, the 2018 report said.