The chair of the National Trust has been awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list. 

René Olivieri, of Redditch, received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the charitable sector including a career dedicated to nature, wildlife and heritage. 

Mr Olivieri had a career first as editorial director and then as chief executive of the publisher Blackwell.

He then went on to become the interim chairman of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a member of both the Culture Recovery Fund Board and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Cultural and Heritage Capital Advisory Board.

He was also chairman of the Wildlife Trusts for six years and held the same role at the RSPCA before becoming the chair of the National Trust in February 2022. 

Chief executive of the RSPCA, Chris Sherwood, said: "I am delighted to congratulate René on the news of this wonderful achievement. What an honour to be recognised for services to charity.

"To be awarded CBE is an outstanding accolade, marking decades of dedication to improving animal welfare, as well as his commitment to nature and heritage. The animal world is undoubtedly better off thanks to his commitment."

Mr Olivieri is also a member of the Higher Education Funding Council for England with his publishing career helping him to accumulate a depth of knowledge within scientific research and the higher education sector. 

He is one of twelve people across the county who have been recognised in the King's New Year's Honours 2023 with the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, congratulating those on the list. 

She said: “I am delighted that twelve Worcestershire residents have been recognised in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.  In awarding these National Honours, HM The King is recognising the achievements of people from all walks of life for the work they do, either in public life or within their communities.

"These are the people who really make a difference to the lives of those around them and I send them my sincere congratulations.”