Director-General
Hilary McGrady CBE is the Director-General of the National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity, caring for nature, beauty and history across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Hilary has held this role since 2018 and is an outspoken and influential leader in the UK heritage and environmental sector.
About Hilary
As Director-General, Hilary has guided the National Trust through some groundbreaking new work and dealt with exceptional challenges. She has helped the organisation reach new audiences, especially those living in towns and cities and younger people, while also strengthening its finances.
Trust milestones
During her leadership, the Trust has secured major new historic sites, including the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, received record-breaking donations, welcomed rising numbers of visitors, and maintained high levels of public trust. In 2025 Hilary launched the Trust’s most ambitious strategy yet, People and Nature Thriving, which makes commitments to restore nature, end unequal access, and inspire millions.
The Covid crisis
In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hilary made the difficult decision to close National Trust properties for the first time ever to protect public health. Under her leadership, the Trust carefully managed the crisis and emerged stronger, with continued public support.
Country and regional work
Hilary’s impact on the National Trust began long before she became Director-General. As Director for Northern Ireland, she led work at the Giant’s Causeway, including the delivery of a new visitor centre. She managed complex challenges to protect its future as a World Heritage Site, setting a strong example of how to care for high-profile places. She later became Director for Wales, and then for London and the Southeast, overseeing some of the Trust’s busiest sites, from Sir Winston Churchill’s home at Chartwell to the White Cliffs of Dover.
In 2014, she was appointed Chief Operating Officer, leading teams across the UK.
I am picking up the baton from a long list of inspiring leaders who have helped us grow over the last 125 years. We now have over 5 million members supporting what we do and a portfolio of extraordinary places. I see my role as building on that success and inspiring more people from all parts of our nation to love, engage with and want to care for the places that matter to them.
A quote by Hilary McGradyNational Trust Director-General
Hilary's early career
Hilary first trained as a graphic designer and began her career in the drinks industry. In 2002, she became Chief Executive of Belfast’s bid to be European Capital of Culture, showing her ability to connect culture with place and community ambition, something she continues to do at the National Trust.
Life outside work
Hilary was born in Northern Ireland, where she still lives. She is married and has three children. Her interests include the arts, gardening and hillwalking. She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Heritage in His Majesty The King’s 2026 New Year Honours.
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