EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall has been named as a government Business Ambassador.
She is one of five named to represent the infrastructure, construction and transport sectors by the Department of UK Trade and Investment.
The overall group of 50, which also includes lastminute.com co-founder Brent Hoberman representing technology, will focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which can face greater barriers to accessing global markets than larger businesses.
Business Ambassadors carry out priority meetings at request of the government when travelling overseas, including lobbying for market access or leading events for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
They will also undertake dedicated overseas visits or lead UK trade missions for small businesses.