Oxfordshire County Council has named Dr Martin Reeves as its new Chief Executive, taking over from Stephen Chandler who has been in post since last February, when the formal process of ending the partnership between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council first started.
Dr Reeves joins from Coventry City Council where he has served as Chief Executive since 2009 and presided over approximately 4,500 employees, a £750m budget, and a £250m capital programme.
Before that, Dr Reeves was Chief Executive of Bedfordshire County Council from 2008 to 2009, after serving as Assistant Chief Executive at the same council for the two years prior.
Dr Martin Reeves said: “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.”
Dr Reeves’ previous career in local government also includes experience at Westminster City, Waltham Forest, and Reigate and Banstead, as well as roles in academia prior to the turn of the millennium.
The appointment was made by Oxfordshire County Council’s Remuneration Committee, with formal approval subject to a meeting of all the councillors on the 13th of December, where local leaders will also agree on Dr Reeves’ starting date.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin as our new chief executive. He brings with him a wealth of experience in local government and we believe he is the right person to take the council forward and enable us to deliver the administration’s ambitious priorities.
“I would also like to express my thanks to Stephen for his leadership and support during this period of transition.”
