Charlotte Valeur, a corporate governance expert, has been selected to be the new chairman of the Institute of Directors (IoD) (www.iod.com).

She has held seven directorships at public companies (including three as chairman) over the last decade; her background in finance includes stints at Société Générale, BNP-Paribas and SG Warburg.

Originally from Copenhagen (and speaking six languages), Ms Valeur is a keen advocate for diversity in the boardroom and has backed this up with action by founding Board Apprentice.

This is a non-profit organisation that gives individuals hands-on experience at the very top of business.

It has been cited in the Government’s recent reviews on ethnic and gender diversity in UK boardrooms as a resource for effecting real change.

Stephen Martin, director general of the IoD, said: “I am delighted to welcome Charlotte as our new chairman.

“She brings with her an impressive range of experience, gained by leading businesses of different sizes and sectors; this will put her in tune with the breadth of IoD members.

“As a member herself for over a decade, Charlotte possesses a first-hand understanding of what the Institute should be providing for the director of today.”