CMS Cameron McKenna energy partner Fiona Woolf has been appointed Lord Mayor of the City of London. 

Woolf was elected today as the 686th Lord Mayor but is only the second female holder of the post in its 800-year history.

She became Camerons' first female partner when she was made up at legacy firm McKenna & Co in 1981 having joined from Clifford Chance in 1978.

Woolf also served as president of the Law Society of England and Wales in 2006-07.

She has worked in more than 40 countries on regulation, infrastructure projects and market implementation.

Highlights of a 40-year career include leading on the restructuring and privatisation of the National Grid and, more recently, working with the World Bank on privatisation and energy reforms. 

As Lord Mayor, Woolf will act as the global ambassador for the UK's financial services industry.

Other figures from the legal profession that have held the role include SJ Berwin senior director Nick Anstee, who was elected in 2009, and Norton Rose Fulbright consultant David Lewis.

Following the appointment, Woolf said: "The City makes an important contribution in exporting global expertise and attracting internationally mobile business to the UK by creating mutually beneficial relationships across the world.

"I have worked on energy and infrastructure reforms and projects that have done just that by delivering tangible benefits to local communities and bilateral trade.

"As a truly global city, London is uniquely placed to help deliver the infrastructure and financing needed to rise to the challenge of sustainable."

Woolf, who will take office in November. was Sheriff of the City in 2010-11 and Alderman for the Ward of Candlewick in the City of London in 2007.

In her new role, she will be expected to spend three months a year leading City business delegations overseas, while also meeting politicians and business leaders on visits to London.