Woodward, who is currently chair of BPIF Training, was chosen from a shortlist by a panel led by BPIF president Rupert Middleton who said her "drive, energy and appetite for change meant that she was, without doubt, the right person for the role".

She brings with her experience as chief executive of Foneback, group operations director of Astron and development director for BPC.

Polestar Group chief executive Barry Hibbert described the appointment as "pioneering" and "an important step for the BPIF", while Andrew Pindar OBE, Pindar Group chairman said Woodward was the ideal choice to lead the industry to "adopt and celebrate its pivotal role in multi-channel communication, built on a bedrock of print".

Woodward said she was "delighted" and "looking forward to working with members and the very talented BPIF team to create high-quality, relevant business services that will support our 1,800-plus company membership in this challenging economic climate as they strive to create strong and sustainable business".