You probably don't need all those subdivisions on the edges that run across the curve:


Aside from that, there are several ways you could go about doing this:
Spin
You could use the spin tool (⎇ AltR):
Position the 3D cursor (
LMB)
Spin (⎇ AltR)

Subdivide
Subdividing can work well if you only subdivide the edges that follow around the curve:

Unfortunately subdivide smooth doesn't seem to work in this case, so you'll still need to move the vertices manually.
Curves
You could also use a curve, then convert it to a mesh later with ⎇ AltC.
Add a curve
Add a straight curve as a bevel object
Extrude curve (E or ⎈ Ctrl
LMB)

You should also be able to use bevel, but currently there seems to be a bug with beveling 2D planes in 2.72..