The 84-year old has come out fighting in response to proposals from a major shareholder, private equity group CVC Capital, to appoint Paul Walsh, the former head of Diageo, as chairman with executive duties. 

Trusted adviser

Ms Woodward-Hill is a trusted colleague of Mr Ecclestone and has helped him and the company through several difficult legal challenges - including the Munich bribery case earlier this year. She is said to be very well acquainted with the whole business, holding 17 directorships in businesses connected to it. Source: Daily Mail