Girlguiding has appointed the former chief executive of a government backed taskforce to increase the number of women leaders in business as its next chair.

Denise Wilson led the FTSE Women Leaders Review from 2013 until last month to increase the number of women on boards and leadership roles in FTSE 350 public-listed and large private companies.

She is also a former Brownie and Guide and was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to women in business.

Her board level roles have included chairing the Royal Academy of Arts Friends and her roles in the city have included senior positions at Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group, British Gas and National Grid.

She replaces Cahterine Irwin, whose six-year tenure as Girlguding chair has come to an end.

“It’s a great privilege to have Denise join Girlguiding as part of our leadership team,” said Girlguiding chief executive Angela Salt.

“She brings a wealth of experience from both her business and charity backgrounds, and we look forward to having her expertise help shape and lead our vision of an equal world where girls can make a positive difference, be happy and safe, and fulfil their potential.”

Wilson added: “I’m delighted to be joining Girlguiding as Chair of the Board of Trustees. As girls and young women continue to face pressures and inequality, Girlguiding has a vital role to play in supporting them.

“I have fond memories of my time spent as both a Brownie and Guide, and I look forward to being part of the wonderful work that makes Girlguiding a safe space for girls to laugh, learn and have adventures.”

She joins the charity as it continues to tackle the fall out from its decisions to close some of its overseas operations and sell five activity centres in recent months.

These have prompted concerns from MPs and a Charity Commission investigation into Girlguiding’s decision making around the moves.

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