Close Brothers Motor Finance chief executive Rebecca McNeil credited the “hard work, ingenuity, and passion” of her team as she emerged as a winner of the CEO Today United Kingdom Award 2018.

Dedicated to recognising strong and innovative leadership amongst business leaders, the CEO Today United Kingdom Awards recognise the CEOs who are leading in their respective sectors and beyond.

McNeil is the only winner in the motor industry and found out about the award back in September, but the winners were only officially announced in this month’s publication of a special awards-focused magazine.

“It’s an honour to be recognised as a CEO Today winner, and I’m extremely proud of the hard work, ingenuity, and passion of the team that I’m fortunate enough to lead,” said McNeil.

“As we continue to see the motor landscape change and evolve in the UK, Close Brothers Motor Finance is leading the way in offering dealers support for their businesses and outstanding customer service.

“I look forward to the years ahead, enhancing our dealer relationships across the UK with the support of a wonderful team.”

McNeil joined the Doncaster-based automotive finance provider in April this year from a post as the chief operating officer of business banking at Barclays UK, joining the executive committee for Close Brothers’ Banking division at the same time.

A statement issued by the business said that her wealth of experience working with small businesses and lending has supported the company’s dealer-led proposition, adding that “the company has continued to thrive under her leadership”.

Close Brothers Motor Finance celebrated its 30th anniversary at the start of 2018, handing an extra day’s holiday to all its staff.

At the time, it stated that the business works with more than 8,000 motor dealers and has helped finance loans worth nearly £7 billion pounds against 978,633 vehicles.