IBERDROLA, the Spanish-based energy giant behind Scottish Power, has appointed a second British female to its board.

Dame Denise Holt, who is said to have a "profound knowledge" of the UK energy sector, has joined Samantha Barber in becoming a non-executive director at the company. The appointment means there are now five female members on Iberdrola's 14-strong board.

Dame Denise, a former British ambassador to Spain and Mexico, was appointed following the resignation of Manuel Lagares Gomez-Abascal on April 10.