Beth Comstock who leads corporate venturing unit GE Ventures, has been appointed General Electric's newest vice chair.

US-based industrial conglomerate General Electric (GE) has promoted Beth Comstock to vice chair of GE Business Innovations, making her the first woman to hold that title in the company’s history.

In her new job, Comstock will be responsible for building out GE as a service while also remaining in charge of her current duties, including leading the company’s corporate venturing unit GE Ventures.

Comstock will also continue to head GE Lighting as well as oversee corporate marketing, sales and communications.