EasyJet chief executive, Caroyln McCall, has taken the top prize in the annual National Business Awards.
She was named business leader of the year at the ceremony in London which coincided with the budget airline’s 20th anniversary.
McCall was credited with making “outstanding” achievements in her five years at the helm of the airline.
Kai Peters, chief academic officer of award sponsor Ashridge and Hult International Business School, said: “She arrived amidst managerial and financial challenges and has impressively grown the airline through dedication, hard work and a sense of fun.
“Amazingly, she has achieved all of this from a standing start as an outsider to the aviation industry.”
The event in London was attended by 1,200 business leaders and politicians
Opening the proceedings, prime minister David Cameron said: “[These] awards recognise people who have the guts to strike out on their own, who have the tenacity to work hard for every deal and who have the innovation and vision that lets you grow your business and take new people on.”