America's top spies are predominantly white and male, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Tuesday announced a number of measures to increase diversity within its ranks.

Eleven percent of the CIA's top-ranking Senior Intelligence Service consists of members belonging to a racial or ethnic minority, Politico detailed. Across its entire workforce, however, minorities account for 24 percent. CIA Director John Brennan, who 18 months ago had commissioned the so-called "Diversity in Leadership Study," noted the findings presented a challenge to the agency.

"I was deeply concerned that the senior levels of CIA did not reflect the diversity of the Agency workforce or of the Nation we serve, and that this problem had persisted despite repeated efforts by Agency leaders to address it," Brennan said in a statement. "Excellence in foreign intelligence demands broad perspectives ... (and) diversity -- of thought, ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences -- is essential to CIA's mission success."

The report, which was compiled by business executive and civil-rights activist Vernon Jordan, also noted that minority women continue to be underrepresented at the spy agency. It further detailed challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers and decried the "lack of (an) inclusive culture" at the CIA.

"In practice, the agency does not recognize the value of diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, nor consistently promote an inclusive, 'speak-up' culture where all opinions are heard, valued and taken into account," the study said.

Brennan ordered immediate steps to correct the situation and part of the evaluations of top officials will now depend on the extent to which they foster diversity. Senior leadership will also be required to attend "diversity and inclusion training," according to Politico.

"I urge every Agency officer to answer the study's call to action and to join me in making CIA a place where all of America's talent and perspectives are welcome and included, and where all individuals are empowered to reach their full potential," the director insisted.