New "50/50 by 2020" Gender-Balanced Leadership Movement Launches to Improve Business and Society throughout the World

BOSTON, Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sperry Van Ness International Corporation (SVNIC), proudly announces a new "50/50 by 2020" movement in support of healthy gender-balanced leadership, kicking off with a virtual pledge across the globe starting on February 26th.

The pledge, to generate a 50/50 balance of women and men in leadership positions within all organizations worldwide by the year 2020, will kick start via social media with a commitment made by Kevin Maggiacomo, CEO of SVNIC, a United States commercial real estate brokerage company with over 180 independently owned and operated offices in 38 states.

"Studies show that gender-balanced leadership produces stronger outcomes for success," said Maggiacomo. "We want to create a spark which invites business leaders from around the world to participate in this exciting movement which could forever alter the way business is run at the top and the outcomes that follow for both business and society."

The new pledge will be available online starting on February 26th at 5050x2020.org with Sperry Van Ness International as the founding sponsor. The pledge is designed to encourage and inspire other businesses, groups and organizations to evaluate their own leadership ranks and to challenge them to build healthy leadership teams that reflect the population.

A few key highlights, supporting the gender-balanced leadership position include:

• Studies in the UK show that "Companies where women make up a third of board members made on average 42% more profit and shareholders received 53% higher returns."
• Gender work parity is predicted to increase GDP by 12% among all OECD countries.
• South Africa has already nearly reached their goal of gender balance in political representation.

"In the United States, over 60% of college graduates are women, so it only makes sense to capitalize on this huge source of executive talent," said Diane Danielson, Chief Operating Officer of Sperry Van Ness International Corporation, who was also recently named in Forbes 40 over 40 Women to Watch. "Imagine the tremendous ripple effect this movement could have now and for generations to come," added Danielson.

About Sperry Van Ness International Corporation

Founded in 1987, SVNIC is a commercial real estate brokerage franchisor headquartered in Irvine, California with 180 offices in 38 states, owned and operated by local franchisee business owners. SVNIC has received recognition for innovation and as one of INC magazine's Fastest Growing Private Companies.

For more information about the pledge or to Twitter, go to:
50/50by2020.org
real-leaders.com
@maggiacomo

SOURCE Sperry Van Ness International Corporation