George McIvor, chairman of Master Chefs of Great Britain, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for his contribution to the Catering and Tourism Industries.
The MCGB, whose members include chefs from Michelin and 2AA Rosette establishments, is dedicated to culinary excellence and supporting emerging talent through masterclass demonstrations, learning opportunities, and mentorship.
During George McIvor’s tenure as chairman, MCGB reached over 1000 apprentice and student chefs from Scotland and northern England annually through its programme of masterclasses in Edinburgh.
These masterclasses give students access to world-class chefs allowing them to learn new skills with high-quality Scottish produce while promoting sustainability.
McIvor, who was appointed MCGB chairman in 2006, said: “I am deeply humbled to be recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List.
“I strongly believe in encouraging young people and children to participate in and enjoy food. Their natural inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn is something to be encouraged. I am very grateful to my fellow chefs and supporters who enable our work.”
As well as supporting future chefs through MCGB, George also donates his time to several charitable organisations including Leukaemia UK, MND, SAMH mental health, Keech Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust, Beatson Cancer Charity, Child Poverty and Inequality, and Edinburgh Community Food.
Patron of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, Lady Claire Macdonald OBE said: “George’s recognition is so richly deserved for the work he has done over decades to further the reputation of the profession of chefs, in educating not only schoolchildren but people of all ages about nutrition, and in his endless generosity of his time to publicise the excellence of the quality of food in Scotland in the UK.”
James Thomson OBE, a fellow committee member of the MCGB, said: “George’s childhood love of food led to his career in hospitality, spanning over forty years, sourcing the very best of British food, supporting farmers and local producers to ensure the finest produce was delivered to the best kitchens throughout the UK.
“George is truly devoted to the betterment of the hospitality industry and as chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, he has worked tirelessly promoting sustainable careers in hospitality and the culinary arts to many hundreds of students, enhancing their careers with masterclass demonstrations and mentorships, whilst raising funds for many charitable causes and touching many lives.”
