Executive Team

The National Trust's Executive Team

Meet the current members of the National Trust's Executive Team and find out what they do.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General

Hilary became Director-General of the National Trust in 2018. Hilary has worked for the Trust since 2006, when she joined as Regional Director for Northern Ireland. She later became Regional Director for Wales and the London and the South East region and in 2014 was appointed Chief Operating Officer, leading the Operations and Consultancy teams.

Originally trained in graphic design, Hilary's career path started in the drinks industry in brand and marketing. In 1998 she moved to Director of a national arts charity and was seconded in 2002 to the role of CEO for Belfast's bid to become European Capital of Culture.

Find out more about Hilary McGrady, Director-General

Andy Beer, Director of Strategy and Places

Andy leads the senior Operations team, the Consultancy and the Central Operations and Strategy team to ensure collaboration and joined-up working, both centrally and regionally, across operations and consultancy.

Andy has worked for the Trust for many years - most recently as Regional Director for the Midlands - and took up his current role at the beginning of January 2021.

Harry Bowell, Director of Land and Nature

Harry has been a key member of the National Trust's Executive Team since 2018, serving first as Director of Operations and now as Director of Land and Nature. Over the years, he has held a range of senior roles within the Trust, including Assistant Director of Operations, and has led regional teams as Regional Director for both the Midlands and the North. His deep understanding of conservation and land management has been integral to the Trust's evolving approach to protecting nature across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Before joining the National Trust, Harry managed several RSPB reserves spanning the area between the Peak District and Scotland. For 10 years, he played a pivotal role in habitat restoration, species conservation, and the development of sustainable management practices. Prior to this, Harry worked as Reserves Manager at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, where he gained early experience in nature conservation and wetlands management.

A passionate environmentalist, Harry studied Environmental Science at the University of East Anglia and has become an expert in wetland design and management. His academic background and professional expertise have shaped his enduring belief in the importance of landscape-scale restoration. He is also a strong advocate for integrating nature back into urban spaces, recognising the profound impact that well-designed green areas can have on both wildlife and the well-being of local communities.

Harry's commitment to conservation extends beyond his role at the National Trust. He has held numerous non-executive positions, including serving as Co-Chair of a Community Interest Company focused on revitalising wildlife habitats within Sheffield. This work has brought him closer to his goal of reconnecting people with nature in urban settings.

Steve Peacock, Chief Finance Officer

Steve joined us in February 2025 and is responsible for Finance, IT, Procurement and Risk.

Steve came to us from the RNLI, where he was CFO for seven years, and brings extensive experience in finance, retail, and governance. Steven is a Chartered Accountant and prior to joining the RNLI held a variety of senior finance and commercial roles for large retail and luxury retail brands. He has also been a Non-Executive Director at an NHS Foundation Trust for 12 years, holding posts of Vice Chair, Senior Independent Director and Audit Chair during this time.

Tina Lewis, Director of People

Tina has worked for the Trust for over 13 years and became a member of the executive team in 2010. Tina is responsible for the Trust’s central Business Services team, as well as the People and Volunteering teams across the Trust. Tina is an experienced HR Director, but has also spent a large part of her career in senior commercial and operational roles.

Before joining the National Trust, she worked in both the private sector and public sector, holding both executive and non-executive director roles. Tina is based at the Trust's central office in Swindon and works part-time for the Trust.

John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Access and Conservation

John Orna-Ornstein is the Director of Access & Conservation and is responsible for leading the National Trust’s work on access and care for its historic places and conservation.

John was formerly Director of Museums for Arts Council England and Head of London and National Programmes for the British Museum, where he started his career as curator of Roman coins.

Sharon Pickford, Director of Experience and Revenue

Sharon joined the Trust in 2015 as Membership Director and quickly set out a bold ambition for growth leading to record membership numbers, retention levels and funds for conservation. She joined the executive team in October 2018 and now leads on all supporter-facing income streams, development and experience.

Prior to joining the Trust, Sharon held a variety of senior roles across a wide range of industries, from telecommunications and utilities through to being COO in a corporate accelerator for digital start-up businesses.

Sharon has led large commercial teams and held accountability for significant business P&Ls. She has built her career on focusing on delivering great customer experiences, developing new business models and helping teams perform at their very best.

Celia Richardson, Director of Communications and Fundraising

Celia joined the Trust in 2018. She is responsible for communications, fundraising and external affairs including media relations, marketing, public policy and parliamentary affairs. She’s also responsible for the Trust’s web and digital services and publishing, including books and our magazine.

Celia has spent most of her career in not-for-profit organisations, either running campaigns for UK charities or managing communications for public service organisations.

Having spent eight years working with the leading mental health charities Celia has also worked in the fields of social enterprise and social investment, urban planning and cultural heritage. Before joining the Trust she worked for Historic England.