Redefining leadership: through internal promotions, Kokku achieves gender equity in its Heads Team
The gaming industry has long been male-dominated, with women occupying only 16% of leadership roles globally, according to Women in Tech and The Business Woman Media. Kokku is proud to announce a milestone that challenges this imbalance: our heads team now comprises an equal gender split of 50% women and 50% men - a significant achievement in promoting diversity and inclusion.
“Leadership in the video game industry has long been dominated by men, reflecting the broader historical imbalance in our field. When it came time for a leadership change that truly reflected our company’s DNA, we chose to look inward, identifying the exceptional talent already leading within our teams. Instead of offering opportunities, we gave them the roles they had long deserved”, explains the Acting CEO at Kokku, Thiago de Freitas, about the increasement process.
The heads team, previously consisting of five men and one woman, now includes three women following the promotions of Mea Nilimaa to Head of Business Development and Caroline Lara to Head of Production. These advancements underscore Kokku’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where excellence is nurtured from within. De Freitas emphasizes: “Today, our 50/50 gender balance in leadership sends a powerful message: talent and determination are what matter most. If this industry needs more female examples of leadership, we’re proud to provide inspiring leaders who pave the way for others.”
Empowered voices from Kokku’s leaders
For Mea, Kokku’s new Head of Business Development, the milestone represents more than just numbers. "This milestone demonstrates Kokku’s commitment to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of our industry and the world we create games for. It’s not just about equality - it’s about leveraging the full potential of talent and ideas to drive innovation." she says. Leading a team composed entirely of women, Mea sees firsthand how inclusivity strengthens collaboration and drives results.
Caroline, the Head of Production, emphasizes that diverse leadership brings new perspectives and inclusive decision-making. "It reflects the value of diverse perspectives in leadership, bringing fresh ideas, creativity, and inclusive decision-making processes”. She notes how her promotion, along with Mea’s, reflects a commitment to breaking traditional barriers and recognizing talent over stereotypes. “Having more women in management roles helps break traditional barriers, showing that leadership is not defined by gender but by talent and dedication. This shift is an important step toward fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the success of the company," Caroline shares.
Luciana Cianci, Kokku’s Head of HR, reflects on how the transition to a balanced leadership team aligns with the company’s long-standing values. She highlights how the growing representation of women in leadership roles has enriched Kokku’s decision-making processes and contributed to a more inclusive environment.
"Diversity generates more balanced and innovative decisions. It’s a crucial part of creating an inclusive space that positively impacts the productivity and well-being of the entire team," she explains.
Progress and challenges ahead
In 2024, Kokku experienced significant growth, with a 36.8% increase in workforce, surpassing 180 employees. According to HR data, the hiring of women increased by nearly 9% this year, reflecting efforts to promote diversity. However, women still represent a minority within the company - a challenge Kokku is actively addressing through campaigns like Nenhum Direito a Menos (“No Less Rights”), focusing on diversity in hiring, mentorship, and leadership development.
The HR’s head emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts:
"To make a real difference, we need diversity and equity embedded at all levels of the company. This involves inclusive recruitment processes and a commitment from all leadership to bring more women into their teams."
According to the Brazilian Game Survey (2023), women make up approximately 51% of the gaming audience in Brazil, yet their representation in gaming leadership remains disproportionately low. Kokku’s achievement of gender parity in leadership serves as a beacon of progress within the national context.
“This sends a powerful message to other women in the company and in the gaming industry as a whole. It shows that leadership roles are within reach for women, and that their voices are valued in shaping the direction of the company”, recognizes Caroline. “For women in Kokku, seeing more female leaders is a source of motivation and inspiration, proving that gender does not limit your potential and encouraging more women to pursue their ambitions and create meaningful change in the field”.
Research further supports Kokku’s efforts. Companies with high levels of diversity are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders, according to a report by EduMe. Additionally, diverse teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets, and companies with greater gender diversity in leadership are more likely to outperform financially (McKinsey & Company).
This achievement at Kokku highlights the tangible benefits of diverse leadership - not just in fostering innovation and creativity, but in building teams that reflect the diversity of the global gaming audience.
Mea concludes:
"At Kokku, we’re not just talking about gender equality - we’re living it. I believe milestones like this are part of a bigger movement to normalize diverse leadership and create a ripple effect across the gaming industry. This isn’t the end goal - it’s the beginning of an even bigger impact."