The 32nd Grampian Industrialist of the Year was last night named as George Yule, chief executive of Aberdeen-based international oilfield service firm Dominion Gas.
The award dinner at Ardoe House Hotel, near Aberdeen, was attended by nearly 200 people.
The event is managed by Junior Chamber International Aberdeen.
Project manager Judith Munro said: “We had a great response for nominations this year.
“George’s 31 years in the oil and gas sector has been a major contributor to his success.
“This is clearly demonstrated in how he has vastly increased Dominion Gases’ turnover in the relatively short time he has been with the company.
“His experience within the energy sector, coupled with strong leadership skills and a clear vision for the future, has deservedly earned George the coveted title of 2009 Grampian Industrialist of the Year.”
Mr Yule said: “It is a huge personal honour to win the award.
“I always believe that to become successful you have to surround yourself with a good team and that is certainly what I have at Dominion Gas. My sincere thanks go to all the employees at Dominion Gas, our investors and business advisers who have been involved in the growth of the company over the past two years.”
Mr Yule joined Dominion in 2006 and his role has evolved from operations director to chief executive.
He led the £30million management buyout in 2007 and has since led the company through two acquisitions.
When Mr Yule arrived at Dominion, the company had only one base, at Dyce. It now has six worldwide.
Turnover has grown from £5.1million in 2005 to a predicted figure of about £26million in 2009.
Dominion – which now employs 85 staff worldwide – is an independent supplier of industrial gases to the offshore industry.
Mr Yule is a qualified mechanical engineer, whose career includes 17 years with oil company Shell UK.
He was also a professional footballer, having played for English club Bury FC, and is a former manager of Highland League side Deveronvale.
Last night’s after-dinner speaker was Jamie Andrew from Edinburgh, a mountaineer who lost his hands and feet to frostbite.
Despite his ordeal, he returned to mountaineering and gives motivational talks throughout the UK about his experiences.