The launch programme, which concluded in May, saw eight mentees secure significant promotions, including five who were promoted to their first board roles.

“The results from our first cohort are powerful,” said Ann Elliott, one of the three founders of Boardwalk alongside Christine Martin and Shereen Ritchie.

“It shows what can happen when talented people are given focused support, access and encouragement. These women had the ability already. Boardwalk helped accelerate their progress.”

Boardwalk was launched in 2025 with a single objective: to accelerate exceptional women into their first board roles within hospitality operating companies. The second intake has grown from 22 to 43 women, reflecting increasing demand from both participants and employers for structured development that delivers visible career outcomes.

The mentees were selected through a competitive application process. Each has been matched with one of Boardwalk’s 43 mentors – all highly experienced CEOs, founders and board level operators – and is supported by an executive sponsor from within her own business.

“Our mentors bring an extraordinary range of experience, insight and leadership,” said Shereen Ritchie, co-founder of Boardwalk. “Just as importantly, every participant is backed by an executive sponsor within her own business. Employers are not simply endorsing the programme; they are actively investing in each woman’s future.”

The programme combines 10 one-to-one mentoring sessions, 12 expert-led tutorials, networking and profile-building opportunities, and clear development objectives.

Boardwalk was founded on the belief that increasing female representation at board level is not about tokenism or quotas, but about recognising talent and building stronger businesses.

“This is about measurable impact and better business outcomes,” said Christine Martin, co-founder of Boardwalk. “More diverse boards bring broader experience, stronger challenge and better decision making. That is not tokenism; it is good business. The backing behind Cohort 2 shows that the sector is serious about investing in lasting change.”

The programme is backed by founding partners The Access Group, HaysMac, Prestige Purchasing and Troika, alongside the employers, mentors and executive sponsors supporting the next generation of female board leaders.