Phil White, chairman of car dealer group Lookers, has come top in the Peel Hunt 2010 Non-Executive Director Awards.

The annual awards are to recognise the achievement of exceptional non-executive directors (‘NEDs') who exceed expectations within both business and the not-for-profit sectors.

White won the award for the official listed company sector. Runner-up was Halfords chairman Dennis Millard.

The judges were particularly impressed by how well White is respected in and outside the company and with his insights into the business.

They said: "Lookers is a well run company and part of its success is due to the chairman’s thorough grasp of the business. Phil oversees regular strategy reviews, which form part of the board’s reporting process and have enabled management to transform the motor and parts/aftersales elements of the business.

"When the company undertook a banking review and equity raising in 2009, Phil was instrumental in negotiations, enabling the company to trade on more stable financial terms.

"His boardroom style tests managerial decision making and focuses on long term shareholder value, which has included a revised incentive structure to reduce costs and fully motivate the company’s management team.’’

Lookers full-year financial results are expected to be announced tomorrow.