THE former head of Airbus’ site in Broughton, Paul McKinlay, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King's Birthday Honours List.

Paul has received this recognition for services to Welsh industry and his services to enhance the reputation of Wales across the world, during his tenure at Airbus as both head of site for Broughton and national representative for the UK.

During his time as head of the Broughton site, Paul oversaw much of its growth; today, it supports more than 5,000 jobs in the area directly, and thousands more in the wider supply chain.

He has also shared his insights and experience at a broader UK level in his role as an advisor to the UK’s Aerospace Growth Partnership.

Paul said: "I am extremely proud and humbled to receive this recognition.

“It’s a privilege to work for a company that has provided me so many opportunities over the past 35 years and lead the teams in Filton and Broughton who are designing and building the wings that our Airbus aircraft fly on.

“In accepting this honour, I first want to dedicate it to my wife and family.

“Without their unwavering support over the years I would not have been able to dedicate so much time and focus to my career with Airbus. So, this is as much for them as it is for me.

“I also want to dedicate it and thank the teams and wonderful colleagues at Airbus in the UK and particularly Broughton.

“It really was a privilege and honour to lead the site for so many years. Working in partnership with great leaders, teams and trade union partners, I believe we created a jewel in Wales and the UK industry.

“The motto of my beloved Welsh football team is ‘together stronger’, and for me, that encapsulates the driver of the success we achieved together.

“I know that with the passion and capability of the people at Airbus, our sites in the UK will continue to go from strength to strength.”