Greg McKinley honoured with British Empire Medal after helping create Gallaher Trust legacy

Greg McKinley, Operations Director at The Gallaher Trust, was the recipient of a BEM in this year’s King’s Birthday Honour’s List. Greg is pictured delivering an address at the recent Ballymena 400: Building on Partnership and Progress event.

The quiet work of helping people into jobs, supporting skills development and ensuring a major Ballymena employer left a lasting legacy has earned one local man one of the UK’s most respected honours.

Greg McKinley, Operations Director of The Gallaher Trust, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, recognising decades of service and his contribution to creating an organisation that continues to support employment, learning and opportunity across Northern Ireland.

His award has been warmly welcomed by colleagues at The Gallaher Trust, who described the honour as richly deserved and a reflection of his long-standing commitment to both people and community.

A 37-year connection to Gallaher and JTI

Greg’s association with Gallaher and later JTI stretches back 37 years.

His journey began in 1980 when he joined the company, including four years supported through a university scholarship programme.

Over nearly four decades, he built a reputation for professionalism, dedication and a strong commitment to supporting colleagues and the wider community connected to the business.

That experience would prove crucial during one of the most significant chapters in the company’s history.

Creating a lasting legacy after closure

In 2017, Greg led the team responsible for establishing The Gallaher Trust following the closure of the Gallaher and JTI operation.

The aim was to ensure that the company’s long-standing commitment to its workforce and community did not end when the business ceased operations.

The creation of the Trust provided a mechanism through which support, investment and opportunities could continue to benefit local people long into the future.

His contribution to that process was considered so important that he was asked to remain with the newly established organisation as Operations Director, a position he continues to hold today.

Supporting jobs, skills and opportunity

Since its formation, The Gallaher Trust has played a significant role in supporting economic and social development across Ballymena and beyond.

The Trust has helped create employment opportunities, supported individuals in developing new skills and provided pathways into work and education for disadvantaged adults.

Its programmes have contributed to workforce development and community regeneration, helping people improve their prospects while strengthening the local economy.

For many across the region, the Trust has become an important source of support at a time when skills development and access to employment remain key challenges.

Recognition from The Gallaher Trust

Ian Paisley, Chair of The Gallaher Trust, paid tribute to Greg’s contribution following the announcement.

He said:

“Greg is the kind of person who simply gets on with it, quietly, capably, and with diligence. Day in, day out, he goes above and beyond what is asked of him, and this honour is richly deserved.

“On behalf of everyone at The Gallaher Trust, our trustees, the delivery partners and the wider Ballymena community, I want to offer Greg our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations.

“We are immensely proud to have him as our Operations Director, and this award reflects not just his professionalism but his genuine care for creating jobs, upskilling people and helping disadvantaged adults through The Gallaher Trust.”

Greg McKinley, Operations Director at The Gallaher Trust, was the recipient of a BEM in this year’s King’s Birthday Honour’s List. 

Responding to the recognition, Greg said:

“I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award; this is a team effort and is an acknowledgement of the work of The Gallaher Trust.”

National recognition for community impact

The King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals from across the United Kingdom who have made exceptional contributions in their professions, communities and fields of public service.

Greg now joins a distinguished group of recipients whose dedication and achievements have been formally recognised by His Majesty The King.

For Ballymena, the honour is also recognition of the positive legacy created following the closure of a major local employer and the continuing impact of an organisation dedicated to helping people access work, learning and opportunity.

The Gallaher Trust has also extended its congratulations to all those recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours List across Northern Ireland.