An interesting piece in yesterday’s Times, Is this company executive actually AI generated? The link for Emilia Carrière, lead for Marketing and Corporate Communications at Coots & Boots, a top City firm, is still live – here. Her profile:

“Emilia manages the firm’s public profile and oversees media strategy across all high-profile cases. With over a decade of experience in marketing and PR, she ensures the firm’s messaging remains clear, consistent, and credible – even in the most complex and sensitive situations.

Known for her calm professionalism and sharp editorial instinct, Emilia bridges the gap between legal precision and public understanding. Whether coordinating press engagement or crafting client communications, she brings a thoughtful, strategic approach that strengthens C&B’s reputation for trust and transparency.

Outside of work, Emilia enjoys golf and tennis and has a keen interest in modern art and ancient history – particularly the early history of Russia, with a fascination for the rise of the Kievan Rus and the roots of its art and architecture. A lover of fine wine, she’s especially partial to a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, ideally shared after a day exploring the quiet beauty of Lake Orta in northern Italy – her favourite escape for a moment of calm and inspiration. She is also an avid reader of the Financial Times.”

The Financial Times says it was told by the company’s reception that no one of that name worked at Coots & Boots. 

In case the link to Ms Carrière is taken down, we’ve taken a screenshot of the webpage of the seemingly non-existent young lady.

This raises the issue of the causal link between increasing the proportion of women on corporate boards and financial decline, on which we’ve reported since 2012 at Campaign for Merit in Business, and an intriguing opportunity for major companies. If they were to fire all their female directors, it follows (from the causal link) that their financial performances would improve. The women could all be replaced by virtual women at minimal cost, saving the companies money and, we’re sure, a good deal of wasted time and frustration.

Finally, I thought it a good time to post a portrait of our new Head of Research, Leni Müller:

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