23rd July 2025

RBLI Chief Executive Lisa Farmer Awarded OBE for Services to the Armed Forces Community

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is proud to share that Chief Executive Lisa Farmer has officially been invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), recognising not only her exceptional leadership but also the remarkable impact of RBLI’s work in recent years.

Lisa was named in His Majesty King Charles III’s New Year Honours List and received her OBE at an investiture ceremony on 22 July 2025. This prestigious honour reflects the transformative initiatives that have shaped RBLI’s growth and reach under her leadership.

Over the past decade, Lisa has led RBLI through a period of significant transformation. Her vision has driven major developments, including the creation of the Centenary Village providing vital homes and support for veterans overcoming disabilities or health conditions and their families and the expansion of RBLI’s national employment support services through it’s Lifeworks and social enterprise operations.

This recognition also shines a spotlight on the success of the Tommy campaign, which became a symbol of national solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign not only raised awareness but also turned the tide for RBLI’s fundraising efforts, with record-breaking sales of the iconic Tommy figures and the launch of the Great Tommy Sleep Out. These initiatives have played a crucial role in expanding services, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the charity.

Lisa’s strategic leadership has also helped secure vital funding, positioning RBLI as a national leader in inclusive employment and veteran welfare. From the award-winning Lifeworks programme to Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, RBLI continues to deliver life-changing support to those who need it most.

Reflecting on the honour, Lisa said:

“Receiving my OBE is an incredible honour and reflects the dedication of everyone at RBLI who works tirelessly to support our veterans, people with disabilities, and the wider community. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and the foundations we are setting to build a future for veterans now and years to come.”

We are incredibly proud of Lisa’s achievement and the continued dedication of our entire team in delivering meaningful, lasting impact for the Armed Forces community.