Sam Packwood was presented with the award by Assaf’s parents, David and Vicky, and Jon Andrews from PwC in a recent ceremony.

The essay competition, which was launched last year to students who were then in their first year, was held in memory of Assaf Lennon, a PwC employee who worked extensively with LUMS prior to his death from lung cancer. Assaf enjoyed lecturing and working with Lancaster students and, LUMS senior lecturer Dr Anthony Hesketh explained, the judging criteria for the essays were particularly “Assafian”.

Assaf’s former colleague Jon Andrews gave a memorial lecture on "The Impact of Technology on Professional Services". Prior to starting, he explained that he had worked with Assaf in different companies for 15 years. In a poignant tribute he said: “I have got the most exciting role in PwC but what I would have liked is to have had Assaf there with me.”

Dr Hesketh also paid tribute to Assaf, saying: “It is a reflection of Assaf’s capabilities that his friend and colleague with whom he worked very closely now sits on the executive board of PwC.”

David Lennon, Assaf’s father, said: “My wife and I are very happy that Lancaster and PwC are putting up this event. We were delighted to be asked to be judges. The standard was very high.”

There were around 100 entries and, according to David, the winning entry embodied one of the key qualities which Assaf held dear - clarity.

"Good communication means being able to convey the point you are making to someone who doesn't know the subject," he explained.

Sam’s winning essay explored the idea that leadership is about results.

On receiving the award, Sam said: “It’s amazing really. It’s something I didn’t expect to win, but it’s something that I will be including on my CV for a long time to come.”