Cracks in the glass ceiling: Greiner Packaging’s new woman CEO flags gender diversity benefits

25 Apr 2023 --- Incoming Greiner Packaging CEO Beatrix Praeceptor is witnessing a mindset shift in packaging that she believes could pave the way for a more promising future regarding gender inclusion in the historically male-dominated industry.

Praeceptor speaks to PackagingInsights about her experience as a woman appointed to a top-tier position. She tells us that the packaging industry, like many manufacturing industries, is traditional.

Although the new CEO is witnessing steps toward gender diversity, she argues that high-level positions, specifically in the C-suite, are falling behind on inclusion.

“Our society still has a very clear definition of roles for men and women, and there are many biases when leaders make hiring or promotion decisions. They make different judgments between women and men for the same behavior. And since most leaders in the industry are (still) men, it is very difficult to move the needle fast,” she explains.

The new Greiner Packaging CEO observes inadequate female representation in high-level positions in the packaging industry. Diversity leading to success 
A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability. 

“Let’s keep in mind that numerous studies show that companies with diverse leadership are more successful, not only financially but also regarding employer attractiveness,” Praeceptor asserts.

Meanwhile, McKinsey & Company’s Global Institute report found that narrowing the gender gap could add between US$12-US$28 trillion to global GDP.

“Companies have started to see the need for more diversity simply because this opens the door to a bigger pool of talents. The ones who have already created more diversity have also experienced and benefited from the added value of teams that consist of people with different backgrounds and perspectives,” adds Praeceptor.

Another study from the US examined the performance of 1,500 companies over 15 years. It showed that women’s representation in senior management is associated with improved organizational performance where a company focuses on innovation. With an average level of innovation intensity, the presence of a woman in top management amounts to creating extra market value for each firm of approximately US$44 million.

Despite the potential benefits, Praeceptor still sees a lack of female representation in higher-level positions. 

“Of course, all of this is only valid up to a certain hierarchy level. We still have a way to go regarding gender balance at C-level or even on company executive boards. The glass ceiling is quite thick there. But it is starting to get some cracks.”

Inclusivity shiftWomen’s representation in senior management is associated with improved organizational performance, according to reports. 
Praeceptor discusses “positive discrimination,” which she describes as when two people are equally qualified and “the woman gets the job.” She indicates that companies are making a push to employ women over men in situations where both candidates are equally qualified.

“I strongly believe that most companies have taken or are taking care of eliminating the structural inequalities as far as they can influence them. They focus on attracting women and have implemented special development programs for them. They look at topics like the gender pay gap or how to get more women into the talent pipeline,” she says.

The new CEO continues that from a purely economic perspective, change is on its way. She says that due to the lack of labor and talent the world is currently facing, consumers and customers are putting pressure on the packaging industry to act in an overall sustainable way – which includes equality among the workforce with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

“Young talented people are more and more selective on where to work and for them DEI is an important factor. The best proof is that most companies have committed themselves to achieving a much higher percentage of women in their workforce within the coming years. This requires a lot of work and mindset change, which takes time – but it’s happening,” explains Praeceptor.

Open for hire
Studies have shown gender diversity leads to more successful businesses. When speaking on steps the packaging industry can take toward a more gender-inclusive environment, Praeceptor suggested thinking outside of the traditional recruiting box. 

“It starts with how jobs are described. If the criteria are specified so that the pool in which you search only consists of men (for example, paper makers with 20 years of experience in the industry, ideally in a paper mill), then you won’t find suitable candidates.”

“We need to be open for other types of CVs – especially when it comes to leadership roles. For many roles, the historical (often technical) experience is much less relevant than the personality, mindset and potential for growth. This also means that one might need to take a risk to achieve diversity rather than going for the ‘safe bet’ candidate with the presuming ideal CV,” she highlights.

Praeceptor also suggests companies take action to become more attractive, specifically for women. 

“An inclusive culture where one can speak up, be heard and contribute with their real self is what good people look for. Creating such a culture is quite difficult and requires a lot of effort and walk-the-talk leaders.”

Praeceptor says she firmly believes that the packaging industry needs targets around gender balance for leadership levels. 

“First, manufacturing companies are very performance-driven. Without a target, the topic isn’t relevant. Secondly, the leaders’ decisions shape the culture, hire new colleagues and set the strategy for the future. That’s why we need more diversity among leaders.”

“More active female leadership role models will set the pace for better gender balance and diversity across the entire organization,” she concludes. 

By Sabine Waldeck