Level 20, the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving gender diversity in the European private equity industry, is delighted to announce the appointment of Cristina Badenes, Partner at Meridia Capital, as Chair of Level 20’s Spanish Committee. She takes the role with immediate effect and will be leading the initiative for the 2021-2022 period. Ms Badenes succeeds Maite Ballester, Managing Partner at Nexxus Iberia, who thrivingly led the Chapter for two years and will continue as an active member of the Committee.
I feel privileged to lead Level 20’s efforts in Spain for the next two years and be able to count on the support of the Committee and many other professionals who voluntarily dedicate part of their time to this cause. We are convinced that diverse teams deliver better results. We are working towards raising awareness of the deep gender imbalance in our industry and helping attract and retain more female talent. We believe that those firms that embrace diversity will eventually reap the rewards and outperform.
Cristina Badenes
New Chair at Level 20 Spain
Ms Badenes brings 25 years of experience in the financial industry and is responsible for leading global Investor Relations and capital raising at Meridia Capital. As Head of Corporate Development at the alternative investments manager, she is also responsible for new business initiatives and plays an integral role in developing the fund management group’s strategy while promoting its franchise globally.
Alongside this appointment, the Spanish Chapter has also renewed its Committee, which includes 9 senior women and men from both general and limited partners in the private equity and venture capital industries. In alphabetical order: Antonio Morales from Mutua Madrileña, Aquilino Peña from Kibo Ventures and President of ASCRI (Spanish VC&PE Association), Carlos Sanz from Bridgepoint, Cristina Badenes from Meridia Capital, Inés Andrade from Altamar, Laura Muries from PAI Partners, Maite Ballester from Nexxus, Marta Gaia Zanchi from Nina Capital, and Rosario Nistal from Axis/ICO. The newly formed Committee will work to promote further Level 20’s ambition, which is for women to hold 20% of senior positions in the private equity industry.
About Level 20
Level 20 is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2015 with the purpose of improving gender diversity in the private equity industry. It aims to inspire women to join and succeed in the industry and helps firms to attract and retain female talent, such that women will hold 20% of senior positions. Its work is focused on five key initiatives: mentoring and development; networking and events; outreach; research and advocacy. It has an executive team based in London supported by many volunteers, including committees outside the UK across 11 European countries. Level 20 has financial support from 80 GP and LP firms, including growth capital, buyout and global alternative asset managers, other firms connected with the industry and generous pro bono support from a number of service providers.
Level 20 membership is free for individuals and open to professionals working in the private equity industry who are committed to improving gender diversity. Apply now: https://www.level20.org/join-us/
Follow Level 20 Spain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/level-20-spain/
