Alice Ambrose-Thurman, a director and company secretary of Sunderland-based automotive manufacturer Faltec Europe, was selected after a competitive search process.
She will be installed as a lay canon at a special service of Evensong on Wednesday, January 22.
As a member of the chapter, she will serve as canon treasurer and chair the finance committee.
Ms Ambrose-Thurman, a chartered accountant and company secretary, currently chairs the cathedral’s audit and risk committee.
She also worships at Durham Cathedral.
Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming. the Dean of Durham, said: “I am delighted that Alice is joining the chapter as canon treasurer.
“Her experience and skills around finance and governance, together with her longstanding experience of Durham Cathedral, means that she is well placed to make an excellent contribution to the vital task of good governance as we discern what it means for us to be faithful to God’s calling in this generation.”
Ms Ambrose-Thurman said: “Automotive manufacturing and the church might appear worlds apart, but both are complex organisations requiring a strong understanding of finance, risk management and good governance.
“I’m looking forward to this new opportunity to serve Durham Cathedral and contribute to its mission.”
Her appointment, which required the consent of the acting bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Sarah Clark, is part of the cathedral’s implementation of the new governance measures of the Cathedrals Measure 2021.
This also involved the cathedral being fully registered with the Charity Commission.
To find out more about Durham Cathedral’s Chapter visit: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/aboutus