Founding a diverse organisation aimed at changing the face of private equity
Launched by our 12 founders in 2015, we now have over 5,700 members across Europe – and the financial support of more than 120 private equity firms who sponsor us today, alongside other firms working in the private equity sector.
2015
Level 20 is founded
Set up in 2015, to inspire more women to join and to succeed in the private equity industry. Our aim is to increase the number of women in the industry, with the target of 20% of senior roles to be held by women.
2016
Jeryl Andrew appointed as CEO
Level 20 appoints Jeryl Andrew, an experienced private-equity professional as full-time CEO. Her appointment follows the securing of financial backing from firms across the private equity industry. Level 20 now has 700 members.
2016
Launching our first events
Level 20 launches its maiden event to facilitate the building of professional networks for women in private equity. The events are aimed at growing networks for women in the industry, in addition to providing targeted educational events for those at similar stages of their career.
2017
Growing our international network
Level 20 runs its first Outreach event, launches a new German chapter and announces the start of its first Europe-wide research project.
2018
Gathering pace across 5 initiatives
Level 20 Germany kicks off its inaugural mentoring programme with 16 pairs and the Level 20 Netherlands chapter is launched. George Anson, formerly of Harbourvest assumes role of Chair and we now have 1,800 members and 46 sponsors.
2019
Securing new sponsorship
Sponsors are increasing with new sponsorship from 10 GP firms and continued support from the original sponsor group, bringing the total number to 56. Our sponsors are located in multiple locations creating an international network. In November 2019, Pam Jackson is appointed as CEO.
2019
Pam Jackson appointed as CEO
Pam Jackson succeeds Jeryl Andrew as CEO, bringing over 35 years of experience at the forefront of the diversity agenda throughout her time at PwC. During which she was appointed as the first female Partner in the Corporate Finance team in 1990, whilst also establishing the PwC Female Partner and Director Group in 2001.
2020
A year of digital transformation
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, we substantially increased our activity across the UK and Europe. We adapted our capability to deliver initiatives and events digitally including networking, mentoring, outreach and research to members, sponsors and supporters.
2021
Welcoming Cheryl Potter
as Level 20 Chair
Cheryl has more than 20 years’ experience as a private equity deal professional, most recently at Permira where she led the global consumer team and the London office. She is a passionate advocate of diversity and is highly committed to driving the purpose and values of Level 20 forward. Upon her joining, we had 90 sponsors and over 3,000 members.
2022
100 sponsors milestone reached
During 2022, we reached a significant milestone, with over 100 GP and LP sponsor firms supporting our work, reflecting the increased importance firms are placing on improving gender diversity in the private equity industry.
2023
Gurpreet Manku appointed as CEO
Gurpreet Manku succeeds Pam Jackson as CEO, she spent 10 years at the British private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) as Deputy Director General and Director of Policy leading the BVCA’s response to a wide range of issues from a legal and regulatory perspective, both in the UK and Europe.
