Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Biography

Helle Thorning-Schmidt became Denmark’s first female Prime Minister in 2011 and has an extensive background in European politics, international affairs and business.

She steered her coalition government through a difficult financial crisis with a program of tax and benefit reforms to help balance the state budget.

She also led Denmark’s Social Democrat party – the first woman to hold the position.

She has been a tireless champion of women and girls’ rights throughout her career.

After retiring from Danish politics Helle Thorning-Schmidt was appointed Chief Executive of Save the Children overseeing the charity’s work supporting 50 million children every year.

She went on to work with the World Health Organisation specialising in health and sustainable development across Europe as well as global capitalism.

Her diplomatic expertise led to a role at Facebook’s Oversight Board helping to control freedom of expression online.

Helle was a co-chair of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos and uses her deep political knowledge to advise businesses and not-for-profit groups.

She also held non–Executive Director roles on a string of Boards, including: Vestas, world leader in sustainable energy; DJE Holdings, a global communications firm which helps businesses evolve; and Safelane, a leader in clearing landmines.