Sandi Toksvig: President

Writer, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig has been named President of Women of the Year.

Sandi is a long term supporter of Women of the Year and has compered the annual Lunch & Awards for more than ten years . She has also been one of the judges for the Awards. Sandi takes over from Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, whose five-year term as President ended at the end of 2014.

A passionate campaigner for equality and human rights, Sandi has led the charge for same-sex marriage in the UK, and is dedicated to celebrating and supporting women in today’s society.

Jane Luca, Chair of Women of the Year and Controller of External Affairs at ITV, said: “We are honoured and excited to announce Sandi Toksvig as President of Women of the Year. Sandi has been involved with the organisation for many years, presenting our annual Lunch & Awards with compassion and humour, and we look forward to working with her further and benefitting from everything she will undoubtedly bring to her new role.”.

Sandi Toksvig said: “Having worked with the Women of the Year team for many years now, I am delighted to accept this position. It’s a great opportunity to become more involved in their outstanding work recognising and celebrating extraordinary women from across the UK.”

One of the original members of the Comedy Store Players, Sandi’s hugely successful career has spanned several decades across television and theatre. She has written numerous works for the stage including her play Bully Boy at the St James Theatre, and seasons with the Nottingham Playhouse and the New Shakespeare Company at Regents Park.

A renowned broadcaster, Sandi’s work also includes Channel 4’s Fifteen to One, Behind the Headlines, The Big One with Mike McShane, Island Race with John McCarthy, Whose Line is it Anyway? and Call My Bluff. She is also a regular on BBC Radio 4 and is currently host of The News Quiz.

Sandi is the author of more than 20 novels. Her book Hitler’s Canary, which was based upon her family’s experiences living under occupation in Denmark during the Second World War, was published in 2005, and another book for children, Girls Are Best, was published in 2009. Her latest novel Valentine Grey was released in 2012, and she also has a regular column in Good Housekeeping.

[Image by Meg Taylor]