Ismail Anilmis

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2026 – 2027

Ismail Anilmis has been installed as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2026–27.

Married to his wife Ann-Marie since 1980, Ismail has deep roots in Bedfordshire. Ann-Marie is a true Bedfordshire girl, born in Sandy, and together they have a daughter, Jasmine, and two grandsons, Jasper and Monty. Ismail first arrived in the United Kingdom in 1978, landing in Luton, and has lived and worked in Bedfordshire ever since. Over the years, he has made Bedfordshire his home and speaks with genuine pride and affection for the county.

Born in Turkey, Ismail completed his secondary education in Istanbul before studying at university in Paris. In 1981, he began his working life in Bedford, joining McDonald’s as a crew member. He became a British citizen in 1985 and went on to become a McDonald’s franchisee in 2000, a role he continues to hold today.

Alongside his business career, Ismail has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public service and community engagement. He has served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire since 2021 and is a Trustee of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. He is also a Governor of Ronald McDonald House Charities at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Ismail has previously been a Director of Bedford College Services Ltd, Bedford BID and has served as President and Chairman of Leighton United Football Club. He is driven by a passion for supporting local communities, promoting charitable endeavour, and championing grassroots sport, with fundraising being a particular focus throughout his career.

During his year of office, Ismail looks forward to fulfilling the historic role of High Sheriff by supporting the Crown, the judiciary, the emergency services and all those involved in maintaining law and order across Bedfordshire

The High Sheriff’s Justice Service – more…