Michael Cook awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

We are proud to congratulate Michael Cook on being awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his outstanding contribution to the Order of St John.

Michael has made a significant and lasting impact through his many years of service. He served as the first Chief Executive of the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to charitable work.

Arriving in 2000, Michael led the organisation during a period of development and ambition. He undertook a review of future plans and priorities, helping to shape a strategic direction for the Eye Hospital group. This included strengthening medical teaching, expanding facilities such as treatment rooms and operating theatres, supporting outreach services, and helping to build international fundraising support.

He also played a key role in strengthening core organisational systems, introducing more structured approaches to areas such as governance, finance and auditing, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the charity.

All of this was achieved against an extremely challenging and complex political backdrop. The realities on the ground included restricted movement, delays at checkpoints and wider instability for staff and communities. Despite these challenges, his leadership helped bring a sense of stability and forward momentum to the organisation.

His time at the Eye Hospital marked the beginning of his long association with the Order of St John and he continued to demonstrate a deep and enduring commitment to its mission through his work in Scotland and beyond.

He was closely involved with St John Scotland, serving eight years on the Board, including his final three years as Receiver-General before retiring in 2025.

He provided strong leadership and clear direction to St John Scotland, helping guide the organisation through a period of change as Board membership evolved. He played an important role in maintaining stability, supporting effective governance and ensuring St John Scotland remained well positioned for the future.

One of Michael’s most significant contributions was in strengthening financial management. He was instrumental in a programme of transformation in this area, helping to introduce more robust systems, improve transparency and support long-term sustainability. This work has been fundamental in enabling St John Scotland to continue delivering vital, life-saving services to communities across the country.

In addition to his national role, Michael has also made a valuable contribution at a regional level, serving as Chair of Dumfries and Galloway, where he supported local activity and helped strengthen St John’s presence within the community.

Michael’s contribution leaves a lasting legacy, not only in the systems and structures he helped shape, but in the strength and resilience of the organisation today.

We thank Michael for his dedication, leadership and service and warmly congratulate him on this well-deserved honour.