UK shipbroker Clarksons has made a fresh addition to its board of directors with the latest appointment of Marie-Louise Clayton.
The London-based firm said Clayton would join its board as a non executive-director with effect from 1 January 2017.
She will replace James Morley as chair of the audit committee when the latter retires from the board in May.
Morley joined Clarksons in 2008 and is also currently serving as a member of the remuneration and nomination committees.
Clayton is the first woman to be appointed as a main board director by Clarksons, and is thought to be the first appointed by any London shipbroker.
James Hughes-Hallett, chairman of Clarksons, said: “We are delighted that Marie-Louise will be joining the board, and look forward to welcoming her to Clarksons in the New Year.
“She brings the proven skills to chair the audit committee and a wealth of experience which will be invaluable as we continue to deliver against our strategy."
Newly appointed Clayton’s background includes board positions in technology, manufacturing, power and energy firms.
She is currently chairing the audit committee of Zotefoams while she has also served an non-executive director of Ocean Rig.
Her appointment comes at a time when top-tier companies are being urged to include more women on their boards.
The Davies report, which was published in 2011, set a voluntary target of 25% female representation on FTSE 100 companies' boards by 2015.
