Finalists: Faiz Nacerodien, Procter & Gamble; Madeleine Truter, Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate (highly commended); Othelia Langner, Medtronic; Wellington Chimwaradze, Unilever South Africa; Zurina Saban, International Finance Corporation.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange's Tinuade Awe claimed the General Counsel of the Year title, in recognition of her leadership skills and for shaping and overseeing a number of innovative projects both for her employer and Nigeria's wider capital markets.

Awe's achievements include the creation and rollout of a corporate governance rating system for companies listed on the exchange; driving the publication of a due diligence handbook that outlines Nigeria's listing procedures and requirements; and implementing a web portal that allows issuers to file and update information to the market in real time.

In addition, Awe sits on the board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and was appointed chair of the FRC board's corporate governance committee. She was also a member of the Nigerian Senate Committee's review of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Investment and Securities Act, helping to draft amendment bills for both, as well as participating in the draft and review of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Demutualisation Bill, which will soon be sent for Presidential approval. Awe was promoted to executive director and head of regulation at the exchange at the start of this year.

"Prior to her elevation, she contributed tremendously to the Exchange's success over the years," remarked a colleague.

To return to the full list of winners, click here.