‘She has tackled some of the biggest challenges our charity has ever faced’
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, has been awarded a CBE for services to heritage in The King’s New Year Honours.
‘We’re all delighted by this news. 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, says The Chair of The National Trust, Rene Olivieri CBE.
‘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 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 at The National Trust, she’s held three regional director positions and one national position, before being appointed Director-General in March 2018. She is the charity’s 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.
‘Woven into the fabric of our nations for well over a century’
‘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,’ explains Hilary McGrady CBE.
“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.’
As Director-General, she’s led a range of transformational projects and acquisitions, including turning the derelict Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester into a ‘thriving park in the sky.’ Most recently, she brought the museums at Ironbridge Gorge into the Trust’s care.
Under Hilary’s leadership, the charity’s reached record breaking numbers in its fundraising. Recent years have seen increases in visitors and also in public trust and recognition.
She saw the charity through the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Trust was forced to close its doors for the first time in its history, and has responded to the escalating nature and climate crises with urgency.
In January 2025, the Trust’s 130th anniversary, Hilary led the organisation into a new 10-year phase with an ambitious strategy that seeks to radically increase the National Trust’s benefit to people and put restoring nature at the heart of its mission.
