Thomas Cook group chief executive Harriet Green has scooped the top prize in the prestigious National Business Awards at a ceremony where a video address was delivered by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Green, who joined Thomas Cook only last year, was named Leader of the Year 2013.
Receiving her award last night at London’s Grosvenor House, Green said she wanted to promote the fact that "running a business is fun".
She beat off competition from DHL Express UK and Ireland chief executive Phil Couchman, Compass Group chief executive Richard Cousins, Barclaycard chief executive Valerie Soranno Keating and TelecityGroup chief executive Mike Tobin to win the UK’s top business award.
The five finalists took part in a public vote and submitted filmed interviews focusing on their leadership styles and philosophies.
A secret ballot was then held by a select panel of judges to decide the winner.
Watch Green talking about her management style here.
