The Sheikh Abdullah Foundation Young General Insurance Professional of the Year award for 2005 has been won by Rajagopal Sukumar, a technical manager with AXA Insurance EC UAE, based in Dubai.

Sukumar was presented with the award at this week's CII conference. He received a £3,000 cheque and trophy.

A judging panel including CII deputy director general Bob Bullivant and Insurance Times editor Elliot Lane singled out Sukumar's entry. Also shortlisted for special commendation were Martin Davidson, of Willis in London, Matthew Hogg, of RJ Kiln in London, Ianthi Pilavakis, of General Insurance in Cyprus, and Angelia Talagala, of Union Assurance in Sri Lanka.

Now in its second year, the award is designed to recognise a young person who has contributed positively to the insurance industry.