Winner: Ian Dyson, Marks & Spencer

This year's winner of the Blue Chip finance director accolade is the perfect example of how an FD can support and nurture boardroom aspirations.

Following a series of lacklustre years, Marks & Spencer has transformed itself into one of the UK's leading retailers, outperforming market expectations and setting standards above most other retailers in its sector.

Pivotal to this success is group FD Ian Dyson who has worked tirelessly to provide board executives with the financials to make innovative decisions.

The decision to name him as our winner was made decisively and consensually. Given the calibre of FDs that Dyson was up against - Trevor Dighton G4S, Douglas Flint of HSBC and Helen Weir of Lloyds TSB - the decision can only be considered of the highest praise.

A long list was selected by readers of Financial Director and Investment Week from the whole gamut of blue chip FDs. But our judges said: 'This is a man ahead of anyone else. It's impossible to see past him to any other candidate at this moment. There are other great FDs out there, but Ian Dyson stands out like a beacon.'

Appointed just over two years ago, Dyson, 44, was this year awarded the maximum bonus under the retailer's performance-related pay scheme, reflecting the achievement of targets based on pre-tax profits 'delivered in full'.

Responsible for IT, property and the group's finance, Dyson has spearheaded the revamping of its stores, supply chain, IT, finance and everything else in between.

Dyson has put the environment at the centre of his responsibilities at the retailer, even in the search for backers of a £400m bond in which he asked banks about their green credentials. Dyson is pragmatic in the group's green approach, citing the business reasons as well as its responsibility in upholding standards in society and towards the environment.