Lisa Fitzell, managing director of tour operators Elegant Resorts and If Only, has been recognised as female leader of the year by the Women’s Leaders Association (WLA).

Fitzell was nominated for the award earlier this year and became shortlisted alongside three other leaders. She won the award following a presentation to a judging panel of three people.

The award was announced during the WLA’s International Women’s Day Conference at the De Vere Cranage Estate hotel in Cheshire on March 2. The event was attended by 200 people. 

The WLA is a leadership development consultancy focused on female leaders. The company has been working with C-suite and executive women since 2015, helping them to build confidence to find their own voice as leaders. 

Fitzell said: "I am delighted and humbled to receive this award. Women still only represent 21% of senior leadership positions and 14% hold executive director roles in the UK. The situation is improving but we have a long way to go and awards like these shine the spotlight and give hope and encouragement to other female leaders.”