Yorkshire Forward board member Julie Kenny is being elevated to chair the body in the run up to abolition with the departure of Terry Hodgkinson from the post.
Ms Kenny's background is in local business as managing director of Pyronix and has also served as a Doncaster Borough Council commissioner.
"Julie's impressive experience and business know-how will be vital in the ongoing work to wind down the regional development agencies," said business secretary Vince Cable.
"She will play an important role in what is set to be a challenging and complex time for development agencies across the country and her leadership qualities will allow for this process to happen as smoothly as possible."
Mr Hodgkinson predicted the role of chair would be to provide leadership in a challenging and rapidly changing environment until closure in March 2012.
"Julie Kenny has been a valued member of our board and a long standing and active member of the Yorkshire and Humber business community," he said.
"We still have a multi-million programme to deliver and staff to support throughout this transition. I'm delighted to welcome Julie to this appointment as someone who will bring the right organisational knowledge, industry expertise and leadership to ensure that these priorities are achieved, with the utmost professionalism and to the highest standards."
