HIS Majesty the King has been pleased to appoint Michael Butterwick, CBE, DL, as
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Durham on the retirement
of Dame Susan Snowdon, DCVO, on 1st April, 2026.
Mike Butterwick (55) from Barnarad Castle, had a distinguished 34-year military career. He
served across the globe, leading soldiers in numerous operations before
commanding the Army’s initial training organisation and finishing as the
Brigadier General Staff. He transformed the Army’s approach to
engagement with ethnic minority groups, leading a ground-breaking
programme which built enduring relationships with hard-to-reach
communities across the north-east; where he received a CBE for this
work.
He has now embarked upon a career in the commercial sector
working for Altrad, a leading provider of infrastructure services providing
critical engineering and construction management for industries both
onshore and offshore. He is focused on skills development and on
opening up pathways for new and diverse talent to enter industry. He
also serves as an adviser to a range of social enterprises and not-for
profit organisations to develop leadership across the public sector, build
social cohesion and improve employment opportunities for those leaving
the Armed Forces and the justice system.
Mike lives near Barnard Castle with his wife, Sarah. They have two adult
children.
