New Year's Honours: Carolyn McCall and Natalie Massanet

The prominent female business figures have just been appointed Dames

(PA)

Several business figures have had their achievements recognised in the New Year Honours this year, including the EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall and the founder of the high-fashion website Net-A-Porter, Natalie Massenet, who are both appointed Dames.

American-born Ms Massenet said she was “thrilled and completely overwhelmed” by the honour. “I also feel humbled by it because during my career I have been privileged to have worked with so many brilliant and inspiring people, all of whom have contributed to the success of our fashion industry.”

The former fashion journalist used her style expertise to launch Net-A-Porter from her London flat in 2000, and it has gone from strength to strength, culminating in a merger with its Italian rival Yoox this year.

Ms Massenet sold the business in 2010 but remains executive chairwoman. Previously an MBE, she was named as one of the 100 most influential people by Time in 2014, and in 2013 she became chairwoman of the British Fashion Council.

Ms McCall was named chief executive of easyJet in 2010 after stints at Lloyds TSB, New Look and Tesco. She was appointed OBE in 2008 for services to women in business.

Jacqueline Gold, the chief executive of the lingerie retailer Ann Summers, is appointed CBE, as well as the Pets and Home founder Anthony Preston. Yo! Sushi boss Robin Rowland is appointed OBE for his services to the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Click here for the full 2016 New Year's Honours list