Professor Adeeba Malik has made history by becoming the first woman of Asian heritage to be appointed as Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in the UK.
King Charles III appointed Professor Malik, CBE, DL, in September 2025. She is a 58-year-old British-Pakistani from Bradford and will represent the King in the county. This is a major milestone for diversity in one of Britain’s oldest public roles.
Born in Bradford to Pakistani immigrant parents, Malik started her career as a teacher. She later joined the QED Foundation, a national charity based in Bradford, where she has worked for over 32 years as Deputy Chief Executive. The organisation helps disadvantaged communities by creating social and economic opportunities.
Before this role, she served as the first ethnic minority female High Sheriff of West Yorkshire in 2024-25. She took the oath at Leeds High Court in March 2024. The High Sheriff post is unpaid and non-political, supporting law and order and the judiciary.
Malik has received many honours, including an MBE in 2004 and a CBE in 2015 for her services to community cohesion and public life. She holds several important positions, including Visiting Professor at York St John University and member of national advisory boards.
In her new role as Lord-Lieutenant, she will attend royal visits, support judges, and promote good work across communities. She said it is a great honour to serve her home county and highlight the positive efforts of people in West Yorkshire.
Her achievement inspires many women and ethnic minorities to aim for top leadership positions. It shows that hard work and dedication can break barriers in British public service.
