San Francisco-based creative industries leader Lynwen Brennan, nee Griffith, was awarded Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours List in an announcement made by Buckingham Palace.

She was educated in Penally VC School, Greenhill School, Tenby, and Royal Holloway University, of London, and is the daughter of the late Colin Griffith, headmaster of Penally School, and Mrs. Dot Griffith, of Penally, sister of Gareth Griffith, now living in Surrey, and Sian Lowe, of Tenby.

Lynwen is the general manager and executive vice-president of Lucasfilm and president of Industrial Light and Magic, California, and receives the CBE for her services in supporting the UK’s visual effects industry.

The official press report states that she is recognised for her support and influence behind the creation of ILM, London, an independent, world class visual effects studio based in London, which has created 200 jobs, and a Research and Development department designed to promote innovation in film making, as well as ILM’s visual effects contribution to the enormously successful Star Wars franchise. This award recognises the substantial contribution Lynwen has made not only to the film world as a whole, but also to the stimulation of innovation in the UK’s digital media sector.

British Consul General Priya Guha said that she is well- deserving of the award.

“Under Lynwen’s leadership, ILM opened its London studio, which has provided awe-inspiring imagery for global blockbusters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to Spectre,” said General Guha. “Her success in the film industry has made an immeasurable contribution to the UK’s creative industries.”

Lynwen is very proud of ILM and Lucasfilm and is very honoured to accept the award.

Lynwen lives in San Francisco with her husband Pat and son Tomos.