He’s one of the sector’s busiest, most high-profile and networked figures, so many would agree that Leeanne Graham, PA to Sir Stephen Bubb, deserves an award.

And now she has one. The Acevo chief executive’s gatekeeper beat off competition from hundreds of PAs across the private, public and charity sector to win the prestigious PA of the Year 2013 award.

Entering the competition, run by Executive PA magazine/Hays Awards, looks like no easy feat, requiring as it does a personal statement as to why they deserve to win, a phone interview with Hays if they are shortlisted, and a presentation in front of a panel on the day of the Awards itself if they get down to the last six.

Never one to miss an opportunity to celebrate, Sir Stephen Bubb keenly announced the news in his blog (posted regularly by Leeanne), saying the win was a triumph for Leeanne and for the charity sector.

After making it through to the final three, she beat PAs from OnE Tax Ltd and Westminster Abbey to scoop the award.