World Rugby has announced the arrival of Whitehead who will preside over the planning and preparations for the event.

Whitehead is set to lead a Board which is due to consist of World Rugby, Rugby Football Union (RFU) and British Government nominated representatives as well as a further independent director.

According to World Rugby, the new Board structure will "enable all stakeholders to maximise key objectives that will underpin a clear vision for the tournament to be the biggest and best women's rugby event ever".

Whitehead has a wealth of leadership and Executive Board experience in the media and technical sectors with the likes of Google, the BBC and Channel 4, as well as being a non-executive for FTSE 1000 companies and the British Olympic Association.

"When we announced England as the host nation for Rugby World Cup 2025, we knew we would be breaking new ground as the first event to be organised under the revised Rugby World Cup model and at a time when interest and participation in women's sport, and women's rugby, is on a massive high," said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

"Working in full partnership with the RFU and UK Government, we have set the bar high in terms of what success looks like and central to achieving this ambition is the appointment of Gill Whitehead as independent chair of the Board of Directors.

"We are delighted to be welcoming someone of her calibre to preside over the planning and preparation for what will be a transformative Rugby World Cup.

"In addition to Gill's impressive leadership credentials, she has a proven track record in digital transformation, data analytics and insight, advertising and diversity and inclusion - all central to the delivery of what we believe will be the biggest and most impactful women's rugby event of all time, advancing the profile, reach and inspiration of women's sport in England and across the globe."

Whitehead, who played rugby to a representative level and works as a coach at Beaconsfield Rugby Football Club, said it was a "dream come true" to help bring the next women's edition of the Rugby World Cup to England.

"Building on the Lionesses at the Euros to the thrilling final between the Red Roses and Black Ferns at Eden Park, England 2025 represents a real opportunity to further inspire girls, women and communities across the UK and globe, and to once again illustrate the sheer excitement, enjoyment and excellence that women's sport offers," said Whitehead.

England was awarded the hosting rights in 2022 and is now preparing to stage the event for the second time.

The tournament is due to be expanded to 16 teams after 12 competed in 2021.