Hilary McGrady, our Director-General, awarded CBE
Hilary McGrady, our Director-General, has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to heritage in the King's New Year Honours.
"We're all delighted by this news,” said Rene Olivieri CBE, Chair of the National Trust. “Hilary is an outstanding leader of our 130-year-old institution, whose relentless focus on bringing the most benefit to the most people through heritage and through nature has ensured the Trust is thriving today.
“She has tackled some of the biggest challenges our charity has ever faced with tenacity and empathy and made sure that the Trust not only survived - but it flourished. Generations to come will be able to share in the UK's nature, beauty and history because of her hard work and ambition. She is richly deserving of this honour."
Hilary McGrady said: "Leading the National Trust is a privilege. This organisation has been woven into the fabric of our nations for well over a century, and to play a part in its rich history is very special.
"I've no doubt that the Trust has endured for so long because heritage, culture and nature are intrinsically important in people's lives - they always have been, and they always will be. We live in a time when many people don't have access to our cultural and natural heritage, and when some historic sites are struggling to keep the lights on, and our cause is as vital as ever.
"I'm so grateful to the thousands of staff, volunteers and supporters who make the National Trust what it is. I’m proud to be part of this organisation and this sector and I’m delighted to receive this award.”
Hilary was born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, and grew up during The Troubles. Her career has spanned a range of arts, culture and charity roles.
During Hilary’s 20 years with us, she has held three regional director positions and one national position, before being appointed Director-General in March 2018. She is our third female leader in 130 years.
Hilary is responsible for hundreds of houses, castles and nature reserves, almost 900 miles of coast, and more than 10,000 staff and 44,000 volunteers.
As Director-General, she has led a range of transformational projects and acquisitions. These include turning the derelict Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester into a thriving park in the sky, and, most recently, bringing the museums at Ironbridge Gorge into our care.
Under Hilary's leadership, we’ve reached record-breaking numbers in fundraising and seen increases in visitors. She saw us through the Covid-19 pandemic, when we were forced to close our doors for the first time in our history, and has responded to the escalating nature and climate crises with urgency.
In January 2025, our 130th anniversary, Hilary led us into a new 10-year phase with an ambitious strategy that seeks to increase our benefit to people and puts restoring nature at the heart of our mission.
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