Greg McKinley has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

McKinley is the Operations Director of the Gallaher Trust, an organisation established to support employment, skills development and learning opportunities for disadvantaged adults in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland.

His association with the Gallaher company began in 1980, and he spent 37 years with the firm, including a university scholarship programme.

In 2017, he led the team that created the Gallaher Trust following the closure of the Gallaher and JTI operation. The Trust was designed to continue the company’s long-standing commitment to its workforce and the wider community.

Since its formation, the Trust has helped create jobs, supported individuals in gaining new skills and provided pathways into work and education.

Ian Paisley, Chair of the Trust, said McKinley quietly and diligently goes beyond what is asked of him, and the honour reflects his genuine care for creating jobs and helping disadvantaged adults.

In response, McKinley said he was truly honoured and humbled, and that the award acknowledges the work of the entire Gallaher Trust team.