Gousto, the meal-kit subscription service, is forging ahead with plans for a bumper stock market listing by recruiting one of Britain’s most prominent businesswomen as its next chair.

Sky News has learnt that the fast-growing company, which will mark its tenth anniversary next year, has agreed the appointment of Katherine Garrett-Cox to steer it towards an initial public offering (IPO).

Her arrival could be announced this month, according to one insider.

Ms Garrett-Cox became a well-known figure in the City during her tenure as chief executive of Alliance Trust, from which she was ultimately ousted by the activist investor Elliott Advisors.

She now runs the UK arm of Gulf International Bank, and also spent several years on Deutsche Bank’s supervisory board.

The timing of an IPO for Gousto has yet to be determined, although sources said that Rothschild had been retained to work on the flotation.

Her appointment at Gousto will come during a period of spectacular growth for the meal-kit delivery service.

It has benefited from a surge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, and announced last month that it aimed to double its workforce to 2000 and open two further distribution of warehouses.

Gousto also said that it had recorded its first full-year of profit since being founded, which insiders said provided it with a solid platform to go public.

The company was founded by Timo Boldt and James Carter, two former investment bankers.

Last year, it attained coveted ‘unicorn’ status – the term covering technology companies worth at least $1bn.

Backed by Joe Wicks, the celebrity fitness instructor, Gousto offers scores of meal-kit options, with an emphasis on healthier foods.

The company has raised substantial sums of capital from investors including Perwyn, a family office, the ventures arm of Unilever, BGF and MMC Ventures.

Ms Garrett-Cox is replacing David Giampaolo, the founder of the elite networking and investment group Pi Capital, as Gousto’s chair.

Gousto has been contacted for comment.

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