Anna Hemmings, six-time World Champion Canoeist has been appointed the newest board member of SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Sport and Active Leisure.

As part of the 12-person board, Hemmings will help set SkillsActive's strategic direction and make decisions about its leadership, management and delivery.

"I hope my professional sports background will provide a different perspective around the board table," she said.

During her 15-year elite sporting career, Anna represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games and won six world championship titles.

After retiring from professional sport, she helped found Beyond the Barriers, which is dedicated to improving the health and performance of individuals and organisations. She also has experience sports broadcasting, is an ambassador with the DKH Legacy Trust and the Special Olympics, and was awarded an MBE for services to sport in the 2010 New Year's honours list.

SkillsActive's chief executive Stephen Studd said: "Anna has an illustrious sporting career winning medals from events all over the world.

"Her international sporting experience will make an invaluable contribution to SkillsActive, particularly as we work towards the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."