A CHAMPION of women in the workplace has welcomed the appointment of French finance minister Christine Lagarde as the first female to head the International Monetary Fund.

Holmfirth-based Heather Jackson, chief executive of the Women’s Business Forum, said: “In a sector and a job that has been so dominated by men, I’m delighted to see a woman leading the IMF and its response to what are very challenging economic times.

“Christine Lagarde’s appointment comes at a good time for the wider issue not just here in the UK, but across the world.