Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council joins our 'Science Cities' forum in September

Above: Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council (Courtesy Oxfordshire County Council)

Future Cities Forum is delighted that Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, is joining our 'Science Cities' forum at St John's College, Oxford this September.

He is speaking alongside Cllr Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Stuart Grant, CEO, ARC Group which manages science and innovation campuses at Harwell and at Cowley, East Oxford as well as in London.

Dr Reeves joined Oxfordshire County Council last year from Coventry City Council where he had served as Chief Executive since 2009 and had presided over approximately 4,500 employees, a £750m budget, and a £250m capital programme. He was also the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority from March 2016 to September 2017. He had previously been with Bedfordshire County Council for three and a half years as Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Executive.

Martin has held strategic leadership roles in a District and an outer London Borough and was Programme Director for Work Smart, Westminster City Council’s flagship transformation programme.

Martin spent much of his early career as a lecturer and researcher and has a PhD in applied economics.

He has an Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University in recognition of his service and commitment to the City of Coventry and is the first Honorary President of LARIA (Local Area Research and Intelligence Association). He is a former President of SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives & Senior Managers) and is the current Local Government Association (LGA) National Procurement Champion.

Dr Martin Reeves said at the time of his appointment to Oxfordshire County Council:

“The time is right for a new challenge, and I am proud to be remaining in local government, which is an area that makes such a positive difference to so many lives.

“I have worked with so many great people in Coventry and been given the opportunity to deliver major change as well as innovative programmes that have transformed the way we deliver services to our residents.

“Similar challenges and opportunities lie ahead in Oxfordshire – a county full of ideas, innovation, inspiration, and an ambition to deliver.

“Oxfordshire has internationally recognised universities and high-tech institutions, a thriving economy and vibrant rural and urban communities, but it also faces challenges including a growing and ageing population, rising demand for housing and vital services, such as adult social care. The county also contains 10 of the most deprived wards in England.

“I look forward to working hard with not only new colleagues at the county council to tackle these issues, but crucially with partners, residents and Oxfordshire’s wide and active communities to make the county the very best place it can be.”