Digital disruption has heightened the need for technological experience amongst leaders of the UK’s biggest businesses, yet broader boardroom diversity is failing to progress, according to new data from specialist recruitment firm, Robert Half UK.

According to the results of the annual Robert Half FTSE 100 CEO Tracker, the proportion of FTSE 100 CEOs with a background in technology has increased by 27% in the last year, with 14% of CEOs now having a background in the sector. This includes 30% of all new CEOs appointed in the last year. In contrast the number of FTSE leaders with retail and hospitality experience is in decline, from 21% in 2016 to 15% in 2019. Of the new CEOs appointed this year, just one (10%) had a background in retail and hospitality.