Jonathan Evans, Maurice Tulloch, Aviva, Allianz and Covea among 2016 BIA winners

Announcing the winner at the Royal Albert Hall, host Adam Hills noted Jonathan's work as Corporate Affairs Minister promoting the UK insurance market around the world; and then in the European Parliament ensuring key regulations, including the highly complex Solvency 2, reflected the needs of the market.

Among those heaping praise on Jonathan were British Insurance Brokers' Association CEO Steve White who said: "We worked closely with Jonathan Evans during his chairmanship of the APPGIFS. Under his chairmanship the APPG considered various Biba manifesto issues including the cost and style of regulation, the FSCS and various motor insurance and flooding issues."

Steve Jenkins, the director - financial services and insurance markets, at the Chartered Insurance Institute continued: "In government - unusually for a politician - he took a special interest in our sector, has always been outspoken about the benefits that insurance can provide and consistently encouraged the profession to engage directly and effectively in order to make its voice heard.

"Jonathan has been an active supporter of the CII's New Generation Group and a very strong advocate of the need to develop new talent"

Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters executive director Malcolm Hyde added: "He was an understanding friend of the Insurance professional; someone who was prepared to highlight faults but remain in touch with what the industry sets to achieve."

Elsewhere Aviva were the biggest winners on the night with four awards including Insurance Personality of the Year, won by its global general insurance chair Maurice Tulloch.

Association of British Insurers director general Huw Evans responded to his win by commenting: "Maurice has worked with tireless energy over the last three years both to turn around one of the UK's biggest general insurance businesses but also to help lead our industry's engagement with government and regulators.

"As chair of the ABI's General Insurance Committee he oversaw the successful development and launch of Flood Re, while as chair of Climate Wise he has helped drive industry engagement with this most vital of issues."

Tulloch added: "I came to the UK in 2013 determined to contribute to the important debates in the industry, and I look back over that period pleased by the progress we have all made in areas such as Flood Re and fraudulent whiplash claims.

"Being recognised with this award, by some of the best insurance leaders I've had the pleasure of working with, is a wonderful surprise. I'm truly honoured and humbled"

For a full list of winners see below

Commercial Lines Broking Innovation of the Year - SME/Mid-Corporate
Ashley Page International Insurance Brokers

Personal Lines Broking Innovation of the Year
Carole Nash Insurance Consultants; 'Bikers Only'

The Brand Management Award
Aviva

Claims Initiative of the Year - Insurer
Ageas and Aviva

Claims Initiative of the Year - Outsourced Partner
Keoghs

The Major Loss Award
Network Rail, QBE, and vrs Vericlaim UK

Digital Insurance Innovation of the Year
Claims Consortium Group

Young Achiever of the Year
Stephanie Ogden - Allianz Insurance

Investing in the Profession Award
Allianz Insurance

The Technology Award
SBS Insurance Services

The Customer Care Award
Bluefin

Transformational Deal of the Year
Covéa Insurance

Business Sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year
Aviva UK General Insurance

The Risk Management Award - In House & Insurable Risk Managers

Coca-Cola HBC (CCHBC) - Business Resilience Function (BRF)

The Risk Consultancy Award
Perkins Slade

Unsung Insurance Hero
Christina Kyriacou - 1st Central

Insurance Personality of the Year
Maurice Tulloch - Aviva

Outsourced Partner of the Year
Acturis

The Diversity Award

Lloyd's of London

The Insurance Start-Up Award
SafeShare Global

Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year
Axa Insurance

Personal Lines Insurer of the Year
Covéa Insurance

Insurance Broker of the Year - International
Marsh

Insurance Broker of the Year - Regional
The County Group

Insurance Broker of the Year - UK

Centor Insurance & Risk Management

General Insurer of the Year

Beazley

The Achievement Award
Jonathan Evans