Analysis: Shut out of the Male and Pale Boardroom ; Why Are Only 1 per Cent of Senior Managers in Blue-Chip Companies from Ethnic Minorities? Maggie Lee Says Discrimination in the City Is an Issue That Dare Not Speak Its Name

Beginning of article

`When I see a shortlist that includes a woman and someone from an ethnic minority, I automatically veer towards them. It's hard for anyone to climb the greasy pole and all other factors being equal, I tend to assume that women and minorities have overcome far more to get on to the list."

These are the words of a former executive who has worked for a number of FTSE 100 companies. To most people, his views are simple common sense. In the City, however, they put him in the minority.

The fact is that most FTSE 100 company boards are male - and pale. Last week the Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, added her voice of concern, pointing out that although the …