THE chief executive of Everton Football Club has been appointed as a new Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside.

Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale will now work alongside other Deputy Lieutenants in helping Lord-Lieutenant Mark Blundell in carrying out his role as the Queen's 'personal representative' in the region.

Prof. Barrett-Baxendale was recommended for the voluntary role by the advisory committee and will now provide support in areas including Honours Nominations, Assessments for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, suggesting names for Royal Garden Parties and representing the Queen at citizenship ceremonies.

As the former chief executive officer of Everton in the Community, Prof. Barrett-Baxendale helped develop and lead a transformation strategy for the charity.

In 2014 she was appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire as a Member in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and was presented with an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen for ‘services to the Merseyside community.'

Speaking on her appointment, Prof. Barrett-Baxendale said: “It is a great honour to have been selected as a Deputy Lieutenant serving Merseyside and I am very much looking forward to supporting the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his duties.

“During my time with both Everton in the Community and Everton Football Club I have come across many heroes of the community in both the Liverpool City Region and across the North West.

"I’m honoured to have the opportunity to take on a role where I can support with rewarding, recognising and celebrating these fantastic members of our communities.”

Prof. Barrett-Baxendale was officially appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant at the Athenaeum, Liverpool on Wednesday, April 3.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: “The impact that Denise has had not only at Everton but on our home city is phenomenal – no task is too big for her, no mountain too steep – and she achieves it all with a smile.

"She is simply magnificent. We are so proud of her and all she has achieved and contributed.

"I am absolutely thrilled that her ongoing commitment to our region has been recognised with this honour and I know she will make a fantastic Deputy Lieutenant.”