The Key to U.S. GDP Growth is Women, Says S&P Global Economists
It's no secret that the financial industry used to be dominated by men, but there are a few women who are breaking the mold and rising through the ranks. Beth Ann Bovino, S&P Global's Chief Economist, was with us to explain how important women are to not only the workforce, but the economy.
Bovino shares the keys for women to overcome obstacles and climb the corporate ladder. One of the biggest burdens women face, she said, is that they don't pursue opportunities because they are held back by the responsibility of childcare. Bovino said companies have been taking steps in the right direction with benefits such as paying for maternity leave and family care. She does think an area of improvement would be "flex time."
In her recent report titled "The Keys to Unlocking U.S. GDP Growth? Women," Bovino highlights the positive impact of female participation in the labor force. If the U.S. had a similar female workforce to Norway, for example, its economy would be $1.6 trillion larger than it is today, according to S&P Global economists.
Nestlé has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate. The company announced on Monday that the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found that Freixe violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. He had been CEO for a year. Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive, will replace him. Chairman Paul Bulcke stated that the decision was necessary to uphold the company’s values and governance. Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 and has held various roles, including CEO of Nestlé's Nespresso division since 2024.
Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies a decade after they joined in a massive merger that created one of the biggest food companies on the planet. One of the companies will include brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other will include brands like Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. When the company formed in 2015 it wanted to capitalize on its massive scale, but shifting tastes complicated those plans, with households seeking to introduce healthier options at the table. Kraft Heinz's net revenue has fallen every year since 2020.
