In honour of Women’s History Month and this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, it felt like the perfect time to reflect on the progress and evolution of the Executive Assistant role and where it is headed next.
First and foremost, what is an Executive Assistant? An Executive Assistant is a highly skilled professional who provides strategic and administrative support to senior executives, such as CEOs, Managing Directors, and Partners. Unlike traditional administrative roles, Executive Assistants act as trusted business partners, helping executives manage time, communication, and key business functions.
The role of an Executive Assistant has not always looked like this. Having evolved significantly across the decades, its origins can be traced back to the invention of the typewriter in the 1860s, which transformed clerical work into a more specialised profession. At the time, men predominantly held these positions as a stepping stone to higher-ranking managerial roles, though women were gradually introduced due to their perceived dexterity and attention to detail.
World War II ignited the next evolution in the role of the Executive Assistant. As men were enlisted to fight, women stepped into administrative roles in large numbers, proving their efficiency, adaptability, and organisational capabilities. By the end of the war, clerical work had become a predominantly female profession, yet career development within these roles stalled. Women were often viewed as secretaries rather than strategic assets to a business, despite their contributions to improving operations and productivity.
No longer perceived as merely a support function, Executive Assistants are now recognised as strategic partners who help enhance processes, improve efficiency, and drive profitability. In the UK, several professionals have been pivotal in this shift. A well-known advocate for the profession is Lucy Brazier OBE, whose global conferences, training programs, and industry research have played a crucial role in redefining the perception of Executive Assistants. By championing their development and emphasising their value as key business enablers, she has helped bridge the gap between perception and reality, solidifying the Executive Assistant’s position as an integral contributor to an organisation’s success.
The evolution of this role is far from over. With the continued rise of AI and automation, Executive Assistants are once again adapting, integrating advanced technology to increase efficiency and provide even greater value to their executives. By leveraging automation, Executive Assistants can free up more time to focus on high-impact activities that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making. The future of the Executive Assistant role is not about replacement but enhancement, allowing professionals in this field to take on even more responsibility and expand their influence within the business.
As we reflect on the evolution of the Executive Assistant, it is clear that this role is constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern business. From its origins as a clerical stepping stone to its current position as a key strategic function, the Executive Assistant profession has come a long way – and its future is brighter than ever!